Buzz of 'Grand Alliance' Against Chhatra Shibir in CUCSU Polls: What Organizations Are Saying

Whispers of a grand coalition against Chhatra Shibir are growing louder ahead of the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) election. After heavy defeats in DUCSU and JUCSU, various organizations at the university—often dubbed Chhatra Shibir's 'mini cantonment'—may unite to dismantle Shibir's stronghold. While mixed statements have surfaced, a decision could emerge as early as Tuesday night (September 16). However, insiders see relinquishing 'lucrative positions' as a major hurdle.

Meanwhile, two panels have already been announced by student organizations for the CUCSU election. These include the 'Droho Porishod' by Chatra Front-Chatra Union and 'CUCSU for Rapid Change' by Gono Odhikar Porishod. Shibir and other groups have yet to declare their panels. Chatra Dal activists are currently in meetings with central leaders at the last minute.

Conversations with the organization's leaders and activists reveal that none of the university branch's 'super five' are likely to contest the election. Some leaders claim the central leadership has communicated this decision. Although top leaders insist no such binding resolution was conveyed, as a major student organization, Chatra Dal has no shortage of candidates. In that case, forming an alliance would require conceding some posts to other parties, potentially sparking significant discontent among leaders and activists.

When calls were made to multiple Chatra Dal branch leaders on this matter, they stated they were in meetings with the central committee. As a result, no comments from Chatra Dal on alliance formation were obtained by the time this report was filed.

On the other hand, Bangladesh Democratic Students Council (BAGCHHAS) is not participating in the CUCSU election for various reasons. Others speculate that morale has dipped after setbacks in DUCSU and JUCSU. However, some leaders and activists have individually collected nomination forms. When asked, BAGCHHAS university branch co-spokesperson Nausheen Tabassum Juthi told The Daily Campus, "Our organization's senior leaders are reluctant to participate in the election. Therefore, no panel is being fielded on behalf of the organization. This is a joint decision of central and CU BAGCHHAS. However, many have taken nomination forms independently. If they wish, they can join other panels."

Chatra Odhikar Porishod appears most eager about the alliance. The organization is open to a Shibir-opposition coalition or even partnering with Shibir if needed. Chatra Odhikar Porishod CU branch Member Secretary Roman Rahman told The Daily Campus, "We have a separate panel named 'CUCSU for Rapid Change'. We will hold a press conference tomorrow after submitting nomination forms to introduce candidates and the panel."

He added, "If an alliance forms for the greater interest of the campus, we are ready to join. Discussions are ongoing with everyone. We have sat with Chatra Dal, Shibir, and all others. If several organizations unite to form a strong panel after considering all aspects, there will be a good chance of victory. If compromise is reached on positions, we can join the alliance."

Conversely, a separate panel may be announced tomorrow under the leadership of expelled BAGCHHAS leader RM Rashidul Haq Dinu. Dismissing alliance prospects, RM Rashidul Haq Dinu told The Daily Campus, "We will remain flexible, but no alliance will actually form. Although we have had preliminary talks with all organizations. But there's no chance of an alliance."

According to election commission sources, a total of 1,063 individuals have collected nominations to contest the CUCSU and hall union elections. Of these, 474 have taken forms for the central union, and 589 for hall unions.