Jucsu elections: What cultural activists are thinking

Jahangirnagar University is widely admired as a fertile ground for free thought and open-minded cultural practice. This very quality has earned it the reputation of being the cultural capital of Bangladesh.

Legendary figures such as Humayun Faridi emerged from this campus, enriching the national cultural sphere with their immense talent and creativity. Surrounded by lush greenery, the campus is not only a place of learning but also a unique space for recreation and creativity. Its cultural and natural environment has always set it apart from other academic institutions in the country.

Since the very inception of the university, cultural organisations have been active in nurturing diverse practices. From the 1980s, groups like Jahangirnagar Theatre, Dhwani, and Jalsi took root on campus. 

Through stage plays, poetry recitations, music, debates, seminars, and entertainment events, they sustained the cultural spirit. In 1980, the performance of Selim Al-Deen's play Shakuntala marked the beginning of the Muktomoncho (Open Stage), known as the cultural pilgrimage site of Jahangirnagar – the first of its kind in South Asia. 

Its open-air performances and cultural gatherings established it not only as a landmark for Jahangirnagar University but also as a historic site in the wider cultural landscape of Bangladesh and South Asia.

After 33 long years, Jahangirnagar University is set to hold its students' union elections once again. To oversee and coordinate cultural activities, the Jucsu has the positions of Cultural Affairs Secretary and Assistant Cultural Affairs Secretary. 

While the Bangladesh Democratic Student Union and Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed panels have already fielded candidates for these posts, student groups such as Chhatra Dal and other left-wing organisations have yet to announce their contenders. Political and cultural groups across campus have voiced their expectations ahead of the Jucsu polls.

Cultural alliance demands development of TSC

The infrastructural problems at the TSC (Teachers-Students Centre) are longstanding, with multiple organisations sharing cramped rooms. Speaking on behalf of the cultural alliance, spokesperson Mahfuz Islam Megh said, "We want the campus to have a space of empathy, where Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, indigenous, and minority students are treated with equal respect. 

"Just as there will be Baul songs at Jahangirnagar, there will also be Qawwali and Ghazal. We want an inclusive environment where no one feels inferior or left out, and no political, social, or cultural group dominates others. Everyone should be able to practise culture freely."

Dhwani wants an atmosphere of empathy

Dhwani, one of Jahangirnagar University's key recitation groups, has been active since 1996. Rooted in the spirit of mass-oriented education, it emphasises recitation, eloquence, and proper pronunciation.

On their cultural expectations from Jucsu, General Secretary Faisal said, "Students of all religions and ethnic groups – Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, indigenous – must be given equal dignity. Baul songs, Qawali, and Ghazal should all be valued equally. We want a campus where no one suffers from a sense of inferiority, and everyone is free to practise culture."

BGCS calls for free thought and artistic expression

The Bangladesh Democratic Student Union (BGCS), contesting the upcoming Jucsu elections, believes preserving culture means upholding secular, democratic, and humanistic values.

Vice president candidate Arifuzzaman Ujjal said, "We must ensure an atmosphere conducive to free thought, literature, music, drama, and art. By resisting corporate aggression and counter-cultural trends, we will advance traditions, folk culture, and progressive practices. Culture is not just entertainment; it is a powerful weapon for students in the struggle against injustice and autocracy."

Left organisations seek TSC reforms and a creative environment

For decades, cultural activists and non-partisan students have protested side by side—sometimes with torches, sometimes with symbolic shrouds draped over their shoulders. The left organisations have announced plans for a panel called Shampritir Oikko (Unity of Harmony), soon to be formally declared.

On this, Adree Onkur, president of one faction of the Student Union, said, "We want to ensure solutions to the infrastructural problems at TSC, including room shortages and poor washroom facilities, as well as a safe and creative environment for students. We also aim to see the renovation of the Muktomoncho and increased financial support for cultural organisations under TSC."

Shibir envisions Muktomoncho as a creative hub

The first open stage (Muktomoncho) was established at Bangladeshi universities, and it became the heart of artistic practice – where cultural icons from Selim Al-Deen to Anjan Dutt showcased their talent.

Islami Chhatra Shibir believes Jahangirnagar's cultural diversity is unique nationwide. They hope for regular literary festivals, cultural festivals, and book fairs, while also developing campus murals and the Muktomoncho into creative spaces for students.

Indigenous culture must be represented, say independents

In this year's Jucsu elections, several independent candidates are running outside the banners of political parties. Many of them want to highlight indigenous culture and foster an inclusive Jahangirnagar.

Independent candidate Ifraat Amin Akshar said, "Those who built our reputation as the cultural capital deserve more support. We aim to resolve the structural problems faced by TSC organisations, particularly room shortages. Indigenous students should be able to showcase their culture properly. 

"From Hindu Kali Puja to indigenous Biju festivals, Qawwali, and Kirtan—all should be valued equally. An inclusive Jahangirnagar means people of all religions and communities working together in the cultural sphere."

Push for a free, inclusive, and diverse cultural practice

The traditions and cultural spirit of Jahangirnagar University have always been sustained by free-minded people and cultural activists, who used theatre, music, and art as tools of expression and resistance. It is in this spirit that candidates in the Jucsu elections are emphasising the need for free, inclusive, and diverse cultural practices.

Rayid, the designer behind Jahangirnagar's "Adamya 24" and a key figure who visually shaped last July's mass uprising, said, "Art and culture are not just symbols of aesthetics; they are movements deeply rooted in our existence. Division and narrowness are eroding Jahangirnagar's traditions. That's why we want cultural practice on campus to be free, inclusive, and diverse."