Two Cucsu panels unveil manifestos ahead of 15 October elections

With the Chittagong University Central Student Council (Cucsu) elections just around the corner, two panels have unveiled their manifestos, pledging a range of student-friendly initiatives spanning health, safety, housing, and academic development.

Yesterday afternoon, the panels "Binirman Shikkharthi Oikko" and "Sarbojonin Shikkharthi Songshod" presented their agendas in separate events at the university's Buddhijibi Square.

Representing Binirman Shikkharthi Oikko, vice president candidate Abir Bin Javed, and general secretary candidate Chowdhury Tasneem Jahan outlined a seven-point manifesto emphasising fundamental student welfare.

Their proposals include introducing health insurance for students, appointing specialist doctors and psychologists at Chittagong University Medical Centre, setting up pharmacies in every hall, increasing ambulance services, and establishing a modern hospital.

In the transport sector, the panel promises extended shuttle train schedules, electrification of shuttles, bus services from surrounding upazilas, and dedicated compartments for female students. To address housing shortages, short-term hostel options using rented houses, long-term construction of new halls, and housing allowances for new students are proposed.

Other initiatives include improving food quality, streamlining administrative procedures, increasing research funding, and launching smart ID cards. Safety and sustainability measures are also highlighted, such as CCTV installation, adequate lighting, promoting bicycle use, and reviving the "JoBike" service.

Meanwhile, Sarbojonin Shikkharthi Songshod, backed by the Bangladesh Chhatro Odhikar Parishad and Islami Chhatra Majlis, announced a 24-point manifesto. Vice president candidate Tamjid Uddin, general secretary candidate Sakib Mahmud, and assistant general secretary candidate Roman Rahman presented the agenda, focusing on academic accountability and the creation of a smart university.

Their proposals include appointing student representatives in every department to provide updates on classes and teaching, public display of faculty attendance, and organising open syllabus meetings each semester.

The panel also plans to integrate library, hall, bus, cafeteria, and administrative services through a smart card system, and launch online portals for viewing results, paying fees, and applying for certificates.

Additional promises include establishing a student support fund, counselling and wellness centres, diagnostic facilities, enhanced police presence and CCTV coverage for female students' safety, and the construction of a gymnasium and mini-stadium for sports. To curb political violence, the panel pledges a peace accord among all organisations and regular dialogue with the university administration.

The Cucsu and hall council elections are scheduled to begin on 15 October, with a total of 908 candidates contesting.