Chhatra Dal panel alleges massive irregularities in Cucsu and hall elections
At a press conference held today (15 October) at 7pm, student leaders from the panel detailed their concerns, claiming that although voting ended at 4pm the day, numerous issues had marred the process.
The Chhatra Dal-backed panel have raised allegations of widespread irregularities and bias by the Election Commission during the Chittagong University Central Students' Union (Cucsu) and hall union elections.
At a press conference held today (15 October) at 7pm, student leaders from the panel detailed their concerns, claiming that although voting ended at 4pm the day, numerous issues had marred the process.
Among the reported irregularities were ballot papers being used without the election officer's signature, indelible ink fading, and mismanagement inside polling stations.
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The panel also alleged that "there were eight complaints of code-of-conduct violations against one panel, but the election commission took no action. They remained silent to favour a particular group. This administration has a pro-Jamaat stance, and the election commission is spineless."
Ayubur Rahman Taufiq, the panel's candidate for assistant general secretary (AGS), said that outsiders had been present near the campus. "At the Arts Faculty polling station, the LED board was not functioning. When we protested these issues, we faced attacks," he said.
Vice-president (VP) candidate Sajjad Hossain Hridoy added, "We will discuss with the students before taking the next steps because we are here to represent them."
Regarding concerns that LED screens had been turned off at polling stations and the presence of polling agents, he clarified, "Our polling agents were present at the centres. However, if they step out for tea or snacks, there is a risk that the LED screens may be switched off."
Shibir accused Chhatra Dal of bringing in outsiders
The Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed panel also accused Chhatra Dal of bringing outsiders to the campus to create gatherings of outsiders. VP candidate Ibrahim Hossain Rony claimed that the administration failed to prevent their entry.
Speaking at a press conference in front of the Cucsu building, he said that in the afternoon, the opposing panel allegedly tried to disrupt the electoral environment at the BBA Faculty polling station.
He further alleged that at the IT building, ten ballot boxes were submitted without officer signatures, and the responsible officials must be held accountable.
Despite submitting complaints to the administration throughout the day, the panel said no action was taken. "Regardless of the results, we will accept them, but the gathering of opposition activists has created a tense situation. We urge the administration to take appropriate measures," Rony added.
