Jucsu race: Shikkharthi Oikya Forum candidates highlight student-centric agenda

Following the 5 August mass uprising, students across the country have renewed demands for union elections in universities, hoping to break free from subservient politics.

At Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad has joined the Jucsu race under the banner Shikkharthi Oikya Forum. The panel has nominated Arifuzzaman Uzzal for vice president and Abu Touhid Mohammad Siam for general secretary.

Students argue that irregular elections have allowed the "guest room" and "gonoroom" cultures to persist, forcing many into partisan activities and enabling seat trading. 

In response, a growing number of students are seeking an alternative political practice free from ragging, intimidation, and coercion.

Photo: TBS

General Secretary candidate Siam said their campaign is rooted in student consultation. "We are actively discussing our vision with students and working to ensure their voices are genuinely reflected in Jucsu," he told The Business Standard. "We also want to make voting easier so that the maximum number of students can participate."

Vice-presidential candidate Uzzal highlighted their long track record of activism on campus. 

"We have already led automation campaigns, protested controversial teacher recruitment, challenged the illogical quota system, and pushed for academic reforms," he said, pledging to continue these efforts in coordination with the administration.

Both candidates highlighted their history of student activism as evidence of their credibility. "During that fascist era, when most stayed silent, we raised our voices for every legitimate student demand," Siam said. "Even if we don't win, we will keep working for students."

Uzzal added, "Students will vote in this election, being held after 33 years, with the determination that autocratic groups and their practices must not return to campus."

Yet, frustration with the election process remains clear in their voices. Siam criticised the administration for failing to ensure fairness. "The code of conduct restricts candidate-voter interaction, giving unfair advantage to certain groups over others," he said. 

He also pointed to deeper institutional challenges: "A truly student-friendly environment cannot exist until Jahangirnagar moves beyond the master–servant relationship between teachers and students."