Sucsu polls: Chhatra Union announces boycott; Shibir unveils panel

The Bangladesh Chhatra Union has announced that it will boycott the upcoming Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Central Students' Union (Sucsu) and hall union elections, describing the electoral process as "non-transparent, unreliable, and questionable". 

Meanwhile, the Islami Chhatra Shibir has formally introduced a 23-member panel titled "Durbar SUSTian Oikya" to contest the polls.

The boycott announcement came on Sunday afternoon (7 December) during a press conference in front of the central library, where Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) Chhatra Union Organiser Nazneen Liza read out a written statement explaining the organisation's decision. 

She said the move was prompted by what they believe to be partisan behaviour by the election commission and the university administration, as well as inadequate security for candidates and a general absence of equal opportunities within the electoral landscape. 

Liza also alleged that individuals connected to influential circles had targeted their candidates and supporters with intimidation, psychological pressure, and attempts to provoke mob hostility. She further claimed that while other groups on campus were being permitted to organise events, erect tents, and conduct cultural programmes, Chhatra Union was subjected to discriminatory restrictions, undermining the conditions necessary for a genuinely competitive election.

In response to the allegations, the university's Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Sazedul Karim said the administration would be able to take necessary steps if Chhatra Union submitted their complaints in writing.

Shibir's panel

In another press briefing in front of the central library, Islami Chhatra Shibir announced its 23-member panel.

The organisation's Central Publicity Secretary Azadur Rahman Azad presented the lineup and named English Department student Delowar Hasan Shishir as the candidate for vice-president, Civil Engineering student Mujahidul Islam for general secretary, and Sociology Department student Mohammad Shakil for assistant general secretary. 

The panel, according to Shibir, includes representatives from Islami Chhatra Andolon, Chhatri Sangstha, Inqilab Manch, and several cultural and social organisations. 

Other candidates include Mahbub Hasan Anu (sports secretary), Ahmed Bin Kefayet (assistant sports secretary), Tamim Rizwan (literature and publications secretary), Jaber Bin Abdul Khalek (cultural secretary), Ibrahim Bin Islam (Liberation War and democratic movements secretary), Asif Bhuiyan (religious and community affairs secretary), Azad Shikdar (social welfare secretary), Amina Begum (women's affairs secretary), Ali Abbas Shaheen (health and environment secretary), Shamsul Shayan (education, research and career development secretary), Abdus Samad Shanto (information and technology secretary), Sazzadur Rahman Shiblu (international affairs secretary), Mohammad Ibrahim Sourav (transport secretary), Asifur Rahman (cafeteria and canteen secretary), Borhan Uddin (law and human rights secretary).

The Sucsu election is scheduled to take place on 20 January. A total of 106 nomination papers have been submitted, and the final list of candidates will be released on 11 December.