Jucsu election proceeds without mandatory dope test results
When asked about the matter on the night before the election, Chief Election Commissioner Dr Moniruzzaman admitted that the commission had not completed all tests
Despite the requirement for mandatory dope testing, the Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (Jucsu) election is underway without the publication of the test results.
Earlier, on 8 September, the Jucsu Election Commission issued a notice making dope tests compulsory for all candidates contesting in the Jucsu and hall union elections. Candidates were asked to submit samples for testing on 9 September.
However, even after polling began, the commission had yet to release the results.
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When asked about the matter on the night before the election, Chief Election Commissioner Dr Moniruzzaman admitted that the commission had not completed all tests.
"Some dope tests were still pending today. We will announce the results as soon as possible. Due to time constraints, we faced this situation," he said.
He further clarified that according to the election's code of conduct, if any candidate is found to be a drug addict, their candidacy will be canceled. Responding to questions about what would happen if results are not released before the election, he explained, "If any allegations are raised later and proven, the candidate's nomination will be canceled even after the election."
On election day, attempts to reach the Election Commission for an update on the dope test results were unsuccessful.
Arifullah Adib, VP candidate from the Shibir-backed Somonnito Shikkharthi Jote panel, raised questions about the failure to publish mandatory dope test results for candidates, and the lack of disclosure of names of those who skipped the tests.
"Dope tests were mandatory. The university administration arranged them. But the Election Commission has yet to publish the results. We have learned that many did not even take the test, but their names have not been published either," he said.
The vice-president (VP) candidates of Islami Chhatra Shibir and Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal have also alleged several irregularities in the Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (Jucsu) election, including the supply of extra ballot papers, incomplete implementation of dope tests and non-disclosure of test results, and administrative favouritism.
