What does the return of Jucsu polls mean for Jahangirnagar University students?
For 33 years, students had no representation in the university Senate.
The Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (Jucsu) election is set to be held for the ninth time on 11 September, following a 33-year hiatus. Since its establishment in 1972, right after independence, Jucsu elections were held regularly, but since 1992, the process had been effectively halted.
Constitutionally, Jucsu is a non-political platform. Its main purpose is to enhance cultural and intellectual cooperation among students, foster quality academic practice, create socio-cultural and professional opportunities, develop responsible citizens and leaders, increase collaboration with local and international students, and ensure overall student development through sports activities.
Mahmudul Hasan Limon, a student of the English department, said, "After the mass uprising, the political atmosphere around student union elections in universities is a result of our struggle. For so long, we have failed to freely practice democracy.
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"Through student union elections, not only will democratic practice continue, but also personalities will emerge who can lead Bangladesh in the future."
Naimul Haque Nabo, a student of the Department of Public Health and Informatics, said, "The student union is an effective platform to present various problems and demands of students to the university authorities.
"Jucsu elections are very important for creating a quality learning environment, working tirelessly for student interests, and advancing the cultural sphere".
For 33 years, students had no representation in the university Senate.
On this issue, Arifuzzaman Ujjal, vice president candidate from the Bangladesh Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad (BGCS)-supported Student Unity Forum panel, said, "For 33 long years, the moral rights of general students were curtailed by keeping them without any representation in the Senate Hall.
"As a result, students were deprived of student-friendly decisions, and their demands could not be realised. Finally, after a long time, through the democratic process, elected representatives are getting the opportunity to work for students."
