CUCSU election: Voting begins after 35 years

The long-awaited Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) and hall union election began on Wednesday with voting starting at 9:00am as per schedule. The process will continue uninterrupted until 4:00pm.

Voting is being held at 15 centres across the campus using the OMR ballot method.

Even before the 9:30am start, queues formed in front of several centres. To ensure transparency, returning officers sealed ballot boxes in the presence of presiding officers, polling agents, and media personnel.

Many first-time voters expressed excitement at participating in the landmark election.

Nusrat Lamia, a Bengali department student voting for the first time, said, “This is a special moment in my life. I’m proud to be part of this long-overdue election. As a citizen, exercising my vote fills me with joy. I hope it reflects our aspirations.”

Another student Rakib Islam echoed, “It feels great to see the election happening smoothly after decades. Voting for the first time has me thrilled. Our voices are finally gaining traction. With elected representatives, it will be easier to press our demands.”

University authorities and election officials expect the voting to be festive, free, fair, and peaceful.

The election features 15 voting centres and 61 polling booths in the five faculties. Each booth can accommodate up to 500 voters. A total of 415 candidates are contesting 26 CUCSU posts, while 493 are vying for 24 hall and hostel union positions. There are 27,516 eligible voters.