Voting concludes in Gono Bishwabidyalay Students' Union Election; counting underway 

Voting concluded in a festive atmosphere for the Gono Bishwabidyalay Central Students' Union (Gucsu) election in Savar's Ashulia, marking a significant moment in the university's history. 

The polls opened at 9:00am today (25 September) and continued until 3:00pm across 19 booths set up at 19 centres on the campus. Counting has now begun, and results are expected to be announced later this evening once the process is complete.

Professor Md Abul Hossain, vice chancellor (VC) of Gono Bishwabidyalay, told The Business Standard that the election fulfilled a long-cherished aspiration of the student body. "It was their demand, and we also wanted it," he said. "This is the only private university to be holding a students' union election. We hope the election will be fair and smooth."

The VC noted that the last students' union election was held in 2018.

Photo: TBS

"After that, the Covid pandemic disrupted academic life. In 2020 and 2021, student numbers were very low, and no students' union elections were organised anywhere in the country. However, once the students raised the demand again, and seeing that the environment was favourable, we decided to hold the election," he said.

Md Rafiqul Alam, Gucsu election commissioner and a teacher of the university, explained that the Puja holidays next week could affect voter turnout. "Many who are going home for the holiday will cast their votes in the morning, while those living nearby may come later in the day. If there is an influx of voters in the afternoon, their votes will also be accommodated."

"We are making every effort to ensure the election is conducted fairly. There is no political influence. Anyone violating the rules is being issued a show-cause notice. We expect counting to be completed within three to four hours after polling ends," he added. 

Rizwana Afrin Richi, a 33rd batch student of Law, said, "Everything is proceeding smoothly. This is our first vote. We expect the candidates to fulfil their promises and work for us."

Another student from the 38th batch in CSE, Mahi Jahan Ronok, said, "The Gucsu election is being held after a long gap of eight years. This is a moment of joy for us. We have many demands, including improvements to the canteen and the boundary wall. We hope the elected representatives will address them."

To ensure a secure environment, the university has implemented special arrangements. Around 400 security personnel have been deployed, with CCTV cameras installed at all polling centres. The army and Quick Response Teams are also on standby.

Photo: TBS

Arafatul Islam, additional superintendent of Police for Dhaka District, told TBS, "Our officers are deployed in every part of Gono Bishwabidyalay. We assessed the situation and responded to the administration's request. So far, no security concerns have arisen. Students are voting in a joyful atmosphere." 

He added, "We are on high alert and will remain so until the election is completed. Around 350 uniformed police and additional plainclothes officers, including members of the Detective Branch, are working here, supported by other forces. In total, approximately 400 police personnel are deployed."

Election details 

The Gucsu election is being held in two parts: the Central Union and the Faculty Union. Altogether, 66 candidates are contesting 21 posts. In the Central Union, 46 candidates are running for 11 positions, while in the Faculty Union, 20 candidates are standing for 10 posts across five faculties.

There are 4,761 registered voters in the election. 

The breakdown of candidates for the Central Union is: Vice-President (8), General Secretary (4), Assistant General Secretary (3), Treasurer (4), Sports Secretary (3), Office Secretary (6), Publicity and Publication Secretary (4), Assistant Sports Secretary (4), Literary and Cultural Secretary (3), Assistant Literary and Cultural Secretary (2), and Social Welfare and Canteen Secretary (4).

For the Faculty Union executive posts, the distribution of candidates is: Agriculture Faculty (2), Veterinary and Animal Sciences (4), Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (4), Faculty of Science and Engineering (7), and Faculty of Health and Science (4).