Full of colour and creativity, campaign for Jucsu elections ends
The campaign has been marked by creativity in poster design and online campaigning. Some candidates drew attention with video trailers, horror-themed films, or creative introductions.
On the final day of campaigning for the Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (Jucsu) election, candidates were active across the entire campus today (9 September).
The campaign has been marked by creativity in poster design and online campaigning. Some candidates drew attention with video trailers, horror-themed films, or creative introductions.
Others distributed leaflets designed as letters, bookmarks, mock dollar notes, or even handheld fans. Students said they were collecting many of these unique campaign materials as mementos.
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In a dramatic turn of events, the Chamber Judge Court of the Appellate Division today stayed, for eight weeks, a High Court directive that ordered the reinstatement of Amartya Roy's candidacy for the VP post earlier in the day. This effectively ended his race for the polls scheduled to take place on 11 September.
Mandatory dope tests draw complaints
Despite being the last day of campaigning, candidates were required to undergo mandatory dope testing as per university election commission orders. From 9am, candidates and supporters crowded the university medical centre for the test.
Many expressed frustration, saying the decision was shortsighted and disrupted crucial last-day campaigning.
Candidate Tanzin Tammi said, "Half the time we were supposed to spend with students today was lost at the medical centre for the dope test."
Meanwhile, rebel BNP-backed candidate Syeda Anannya Faria withdrew her candidacy for the General Secretary (GS) post.
At a press conference on the final day of campaigning, she announced, "I stand for '71 and '24, for gender equality, and for a united cultural Jahangirnagar. For the sake of this collective unity, I am withdrawing my candidacy."
Independents still going strong
Independent candidate for Social Welfare and Human Resource Development Secretary, Farvid Miraj, said, "On the final day, we are still just as active as the first day. These days will remain in students' memories. We hope this opportunity to vote continues every year."
A candidate for Education and Research Secretary said, "In these ten days I have reached students in many ways, visiting various halls and faculties. Though tired, I embraced the festive spirit of Jucsu. It has been a chance to meet new people, and we hope the election will be held fairly."
Strict security measures announced
At a 5pm press conference at the Senate building, the election commission announced that a total of 224 booths will be set up. Each hall will have a returning officer, with 67 polling agents and 67 assistant officers — all university teachers — deployed for smooth conduct.
Centres will also be monitored with CCTV cameras. Ballot marking will be used for voting, and an instructional video will be released by the public relations office and official election website.
The commission further announced that around 1,200 police personnel will be deployed, including plainclothes officers. On the university's request, the army will serve as a striking force, with security staff stationed at 12 campus gates.
Professor AKM Rashidul Alam, member secretary of the Jucsu Election Commission, warned that any campaigning after the deadline would be considered a violation of electoral rules.
The Jucsu election will be held on 11 September, 33 years after the last one. Elections for the 21 residential hall unions will also take place the same day.
