Jucsu polls: Sampritir Oikya panel protests VP candidate Amartya's disqualification, dope test order
At a press conference, the panel also criticised the election commission’s decision to make dope tests mandatory for all candidates, calling it "discriminatory and harassment-driven".
Highlights
- Amartya Roy's candidacy for VP post cancelled despite court battle
- Panel slams 'biased' administration and election commission
- Mandatory dope test directive branded as harassment
- Budget irregularities of Tk1.32 crore alleged
- Panel vows to stay in Jucsu race despite 'conspiracy'
Tensions are rising ahead of the Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (Jucsu) election as the Sampritir Oikya panel has protested the cancellation of vice-president (VP) candidate Amartya Roy's nomination, alleging that the decision was part of a broader pattern of irregularities and bias by the administration and election commission.
At a press conference held at the campus's Bot Tola tonight (10 September), the panel alleged that the administration was deliberately attempting to exclude Amartya from the race despite a High Court ruling that had initially upheld his candidacy.
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Panel representatives said the Chamber Judge Court of the Appellate Division later overturned that decision following an appeal from the university authorities, a move they claim was based on "false statements" presented by the university's legal representatives.
Citing contradictions in official statements, general secretary candidate Shoron Ehsan noted that while the administration argued ballots had already been printed without Amartya's name, the chief election commissioner was quoted in a media report saying that ballots would be printed only on election day.
"This proves the administration acted with the intent of keeping Amartya Roy out of the election," he said.
The panel also criticised the election commission's decision to make dope tests mandatory for all candidates, calling it "discriminatory and harassment-driven".
They alleged that several candidates have yet to undergo the tests, but no action has been taken against them. Moreover, the commission has not published a clear policy on the issue, they added.
Budget transparency was another major concern raised by the panel.
According to the panel, the Tk1.32 crore budget proposal for conducting the election included "excessive and opaque expenditures." Examples cited include Tk8.08 lakh allocated for five MacBooks to be used in vote counting, and Tk10.19 lakh for food expenses on election day.
"The commission has failed to justify these inflated costs," the panel said.
Panel member Faria Jaman Niki further accused the commission of ignoring repeated violations of the election code of conduct.
She said complaints of misconduct were brushed aside on the grounds that they were not submitted in writing, despite oral reports being made.
"Throughout the campaign, the commission has displayed bias towards one group while turning a blind eye to irregularities. Even in the final stages, attempts are being made to smear our candidates," she added.
Despite the setbacks, the panel reaffirmed its commitment to stay in the race. "The disqualification of Amartya Roy is part of a conspiracy," the panel said. "But we will not withdraw. For the sake of democracy, we will continue to fight and make our presence felt."
