Shibir panel cites Jucsu poll irregularities, calls for unity after Chhatra Dal boycott
We want to practice the politics of coexistence and compassion, says Shibir's GS candidate Mazharul
The Chhatra Shibir-backed "Somonnito Shikkharthi Jote" panel has raised several allegations of irregularities in the Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (Jucsu) and hall union elections.
Speaking at a press conference, the panel's vice-president (VP) candidate Arifullah Adib said, "We are already witnessing multiple irregularities in the elections. The administration has made no proper preparations. Last night there was a meeting about polling agents' presence at the centres. But when we sent our polling agents this morning, officials in charge claimed they had no knowledge of it. These issues should have been resolved earlier."
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Adib further alleged that Chhatra Dal's dominance on campus was evident despite restrictions.
"The administration had said former students cannot remain on campus after 6am. Yet, many ex-Chhatra Dal activists are seen in different halls and areas of the campus, influencing voters. We informed the Election Commission, but no action was taken," he added.
He claimed that Chhatra Dal central vice president Hafizur Rahman Sohan is staying at Rabindranath Hall, even though former students are not supposed to be present.
Moreover, the VP candidate said while journalists are supposed to have access to every polling centre, they were barred from entering the women's halls.
Meanwhile, the Chhatra Dal panel Jucsu elections, alleging multiple irregularities.
Following the boycott announcement, Shibir panel's general secretary (GS) candidate Mazharul Islam called for unity among student groups.
"We want to practice the politics of coexistence and compassion. Whether others boycott the vote or return to it, we are with them. Our goal is to bridge differences," he said.
The Shibir candidate said, "There have been repeated attempts to frame us in different ways, with many allegations brought forward — none of which have any concrete basis or evidence. All the accusations are abstract."
In response to a question regarding Chhatra Dal's election boycott, Mazharul said, "Their decision to boycott the elections is entirely their own, and I don't believe it will have any impact on the polls. We have no involvement in that and it is solely their matter."
He added, "The primary responsibility lies with the Election Commission. They lacked the preparation for holding a fair election. Secondly, the current situation has arisen because of the intolerant attitudes of political parties and their unwillingness to accept victory or defeat "
