Administration Shows No Interest in Forming Student Union, Allege HSTU Students

The student union (HUCSU) election at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) remains confined to paper and pen only so far. Although an eight-member convening committee was formed nearly one and a half months ago, no visible progress has been made till now, as alleged by the students.

The DUCSU election at Dhaka University and JUCSU at Jahangirnagar University have already been completed. Preparations are underway for RUCSU at Rajshahi University and CUCSU at Chittagong University. Shahjalal University of Science and Technology and Begum Rokeya University have also announced roadmaps. However, at HSTU, no effective steps have been taken even after the formation of the convening committee.

From August 5 of last year, the demand for organizing HUCSU election has been gaining momentum among the students. Leaders of various student organizations at the university have presented their stance demanding the election. They have also informed about submitting a memorandum to the vice-chancellor demanding quick formulation of the constitution and organization of the election under the university's law.

Earlier, on July 27, two workers of HSTU branch Chhatra Shibir observed a hunger strike programme in front of the administrative building. That night, high-ranking officials of the administration went to the hunger strike site and talked to the students. Later, they were taken to the vice-chancellor's residence where a meeting was held with them. There, after the vice-chancellor assured the formation of an election committee, the students broke their hunger strike. The very next day, the university administration announced an eight-member committee with Professor Dr. Abu Sayed Mondal of the Agricultural Extension Department as convener and Professor Dr. S.M. Emdadul Hasan of the Plant Pathology Department as member secretary. However, even after so many days, no effective steps have been taken, leading many to express resentment on social media.

Regarding the election, Farhad Islam, member secretary of the university branch Chhatra Dal, said, "We definitely want HUCSU, but before that, full reform of the university's administrative structure is essential. It must be ensured whether the university administration is prepared for a fair election. If such an initiative is taken without trying the attackers of the July movement, it will come under question."

On the election issue, Farhad Islam, member secretary of the university branch Chhatra Dal, said, 'We want HUCSU. But before that, reform of the university's administrative structure is necessary. It must also be ensured whether the administration has the capability to organize a fair election. Initiatives to organize the election without trying the attackers of the July movement are questionable.'

Rejwanul Haque, president of the university branch Chhatra Shibir, said, 'We want HUCSU election within the shortest possible time. Our programmes will continue in this regard, and a memorandum will be submitted to the administration soon.'

On this matter, the convener of the convening committee, Professor Dr. Abu Sayed Mondal, said, 'We are already reviewing the constitutions of various universities in the country. After verifying everything, the constitution will be formulated soon.'