JnUCSU election train finally in motion

Md Abdur Rakib, JnU :

With the publication of the rules for the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) election and the formation of the election commission, the bell has rung for the first time for the student union election. Political student organizations are busy preparing to form an inclusive panel, along with , some independent students are also trying to form their own panels partially or fully.

According to sources from student organizations , four political student organizations are taking the initiative to form at least three panels. Branch Chatra Dal and Branch Chatra Shibir have planned to form an inclusive panel, while National Chatra Shakti and Chatra Odhikar Parishad are jointly preparing to form a panel. Although they have not reached a final decision, discussions are underway between these two parties. In addition, left organizations are joining forces to strengthen themselves.

Chatro Dal efforts for a unique panel-
According to sources from branch Chatra Dal, there may be known and popular female candidates for two of the top three positions-VP, GS and AGS , and at least one of them may come from outside Chatra Dal. They are also discussing with students who are familiar faces on campus outside the organization. In addition, Chatra Dal can also include students who have achieved significant success in academics, sports or other fields in other positions. However, five to seven candidates in the panel can be from outside the organization. Shamsul Arefin, member secretary of the branch Chatra Dal, said, “We have not reached any final decision yet. We are supporting those who have shown interest from within and outside the party, and the selection process is underway. Efforts are being made to form a unique panel by including women and traditional students.”

Shibir is attracting talented and well-known faces – Bangladesh Islami Chatra Shibir is also trying to form an inclusive panel by including female students and other students from outside from its organizational structure. It is known that at least one candidate for the top three positions may be from outside the organization.

However, it is not yet finalized which position will be left for the allies to form the panel. In addition, Chatra Shibir may include female students from its associate organization, and the Student Organizations who participated in the July Movement and like-minded students can be included. Apart from this, Chatra Shibir is trying to include those who have a talented and clean image on the campus and were active in the movement for students’ rights . However, it is known that the panel has not been finalized yet.

In this regard, the president of the branch Shibir, Md. Riazul Islam, said, “We are trying to form an inclusive panel. The panel will also include students from outside the Organization and also may include a number of female students to form a perfect combination.
Odhikar & Chatra shakti coming together-

National Chatra shakti and Chatra Odhikar Parishad have been doing politics separately for a long time. After the failure in the student union elections of other campuses, they are discussing the formation of a joint panel in JnUCSU. The two organizations are aspiring to fight together. The panel is also including good academics and familiar faces from the movement in the formation of the panel.

Branch Chatra Odhikar Parishad president AKM Rakib said, “Discussions with Chatra shakti have progressed a lot, but some issues are still being discussed and a final decision has not been made.

Faisal Murad, convener of Chatra shakti unit, said the same thing, saying, “it will be evaluated on the basis of acceptability. Women and Hindu students will also participate in the panel.”
left organizations will form an alliance-

Left-wing student organizations around JnUCSU are also discussing the formation of a single panel. They have faced a failure due to multiple panels being given in other campuses. Sources said that they can also include students who are not politically involved but are active in various progressive activities on campus.

Apart from political organizations, students active in social and cultural activities on campus will also be able to participate in the elections independently.
In this regard, Ivan Tahsib, president of the Socialist Student Front, said, “We will ensure maximum inclusion and participation in our panel. It will also include various progressive organizations, women students and indigenous students. In addition, the inclusion of various cultural organizations of the university is also being considered.”

Apart from these political panels, there is a possibility of forming a diverse panel led by social, cultural, journalistic and service organizations of the Obokash building.
Commission’s Decision on Dope Test –
The Election Commission will conduct dope tests on candidates for the Jagannath University Central Student Union and Hall elections to verify their candidature. It has been informed that if any candidate is found to be addicted to drugs, his/her candidature will be considered null and void. The Election Commission released these instructions in the draft Code of Conduct.

In addition, this code of conduct states that if a candidate is convicted of a criminal offense, his/her voting rights and candidacy will be canceled. And if a student is convicted of a disciplinary offense or a sexual offense or is convicted of such offense, S/he will lose his/her voting rights and will be considered ineligible to run for election. This code of conduct also states that if a candidate is convicted by the university authorities for engaging in disciplinary offenses against the university, S/he will be considered ineligible as a candidate for the election until the end of the punishment period. However, if the student’s punishment period ends and S/he regains the status of a regular student, S/he will regain the right to vote and be a candidate in the election. In addition, no election campaigning can be conducted in the classroom or examination hall during any class or examination. This code of conduct has directed that any kind of meeting, gathering and procession on the campus should be prohibited. A candidate can spend a maximum of 5 thousand taka in the hall elections and 15 thousand taka in the central election. In addition, none can give any kind of drink, food or any gift to the voters.

Regarding the overall issue, JnUCSU Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Mustafa Hasan said, “we have a meeting on Sunday. We have taken the initial decision of the dope test. We have not yet set any date for the election. The schedule will be based on discussions.”