Who's in the spotlight as Jucsu polls make a comeback after 33 years?

After a hiatus of 33 years, Jahangirnagar University is once again abuzz with preparations for the Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (Jucsu) election.

Following the submission of nominations, student organisations are now forming their panels.

Islami Chhatra Shibir and Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad have already announced theirs, while BNP-backed Chhatra Dal and leftist organisations are yet to finalise their lists.

According to Chhatra Dal insiders, delays have stemmed from disagreements among the top five leaders and frustrations among grassroots activists over the selection of candidates.

A leftist panel titled Sampritir Oikya (Unity of Harmony), fielded by activists supporting the "spirit of '71 and '24", taking on board indigenous and inclusive student groups, is expected to be announced.

Discussion is underway over another separate panel led by a faction of the left.

This year's polls will be held for 25 positions in the central Jucsu and 13 in the hall parliaments. The central council consists of 27 posts, including Vice President (VP), General Secretary (GS) and Assistant General Secretary (AGS).

Reserved positions for women have been introduced for the first time.

Chhatra Sangsad's 'Student Unity Forum'

Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad has nominated Arifuzzaman Uzzal as the VP candidate from its panel titled "Student Unity Forum". Uzzal is known for his activism during the 2024 uprising alongside his journalism.

Touhid Mohammad Siam, a leader of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) at Jahangirnagar University, is being discussed for the GS post.

For the newly created AGS seat reserved for women, Maliha Namlah is under consideration.

On 15 July 2024, she was among students trapped in the vice-chancellor's residence during an attack by Chhatra League activists. Her live video from inside drew nationwide attention. 

She later authored "Buk Petechhi Guli Kor" (Shoot me in the chest if you dare), reflecting on the movement.

Shibir brings in a new face

Islami Chhatra Shibir, re-emerging after about 35 years on the campus, has nominated Pharmacy student Arifullah Adib of the 47th batch for the VP post under the Samannito Shikkharthi Jote (Coordinated Student Alliance).

For GS, the party nominated Mazharul Islam, its office and publicity secretary and an active participant in the July movement.

Observers describe Shibir's choice of a relatively unknown candidate for VP as a possible tactic to strengthen Mazharul Islam's chances in the GS race.

Chhatra Dal candidates under discussion

While Chhatra Shibir and Chhatra Sangsad have finalised their panels, Chhatra Dal has yet to confirm its candidates. Several of its committee members have put themselves forward for the VP role.

Among those being considered is Abdul Gaffar Zisan, who served as a coordinator during the July movement. 

Another name under discussion is Sheikh Sadi, president of Mir Mosharraf Hossain Hall unit of Chhatra Dal.

Hamidullah Salman, president of Bishwakabi Rabindranath Tagore Hall's Chhatra Dal unit, is also in the spotlight.

He gained attention after being allegedly tortured by Chhatra League activists before the July uprising. He was also visible on the front lines of the July demonstrations.

However, he remains controversial, having been suspended by the university for six months and charged in connection with the murder case of Chhatra League leader Shamim Molla in September.

The final VP and GS selections from Chhatra Dal will only be announced once the full panel is decided.

Possible left candidates

Leftist organisations have yet to finalise a joint panel.

The proposed Sampritir Oikya panel has not been announced due to differences among cultural and political groups.

Names in circulation include Prapti Tapashi, former president of the Jahangirnagar University Debating Society, who gained international media attention during the July movement.

Others include Faiza Mahjabin of Jahangirnagar Sangkskirtik Jote, theatre activist Mahfuz Alam Megh, and Student Front activists Meher Afroze Shawli and Sohagi Samiha.

Mass Uprising Protection Movement

After resigning from Students Against Discrimination, Abdur Rashid Jitu formed the Mass Uprising Protection Movement.

His name is being discussed as a VP candidate, credited with a significant role during the July movement.

Independent contenders

Several independent candidates are also in the race.

Among them is Mehdi Mamun, president of the Jahangirnagar University Journalists' Association. Injured by police gunfire during the July events, he is being discussed for the VP position.

According to the Jucsu Election Commission, scrutiny of nominations concluded yesterday (24 August).

The draft candidate list will be published today, with appeals heard on 26–27 August.

Withdrawals close on 28 August, and the final list will be published on 29 August.

Campaigning will take place between 29 August and 9 September, with voting scheduled for 11 September from 9am to 5pm.