JU Chhatra Dal calls Jucsu polls a farce
The statement alleged that the election process was marred by coercion, vote-rigging, mismanagement, false information, and deliberate confusion.
The Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal has held a press conference criticising irregularities in the Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (Jucsu) elections, held after 35 years, branding the entire process questionable and calling the polls a "farce."
Yesterday at 3pm, a written statement was read out at the press conference by Chhatra Dal's vice-president candidate Sheikh Sadi and general secretary candidate Tanzila Hossain Boishakhi.
They said that out of the eight panels contesting, three boycotted the election on polling day itself. Two election commissioners also resigned from their duties. Several respected teachers also stepped down, citing "election engineering" in the polling process. Multiple independent candidates too announced their boycott.
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The statement alleged that the election process was marred by coercion, vote-rigging, mismanagement, false information, and deliberate confusion. Above all, it was designed to ensure the victory of a particular panel and candidate. As a result, instead of becoming a democratic festival, the Jucsu polls turned into a "farce," the JU Chhatra Dal said.
They further claimed that although complaints were repeatedly lodged with the administration, no remedy was provided. Even after boycotting, they formally raised allegations with responsible authorities, but no effective response came.
The statement added that most polling officers were unfamiliar with the electoral code of conduct and had not been properly briefed, leading them to act outside the rules.
"We still expect the administration to properly investigate these allegations of a farcical election. Those involved in irregularities must be unmasked. Only then can a clean electoral system be established in the future," said Sheikh Sadi.
