JnUCSU Election in Doubt: No November Poll, Likely After December 20

Uncertainty looms over the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JACSU) and hall union election, originally scheduled for 27 November. Demands from political student groups, heated exchanges, and calls to postpone the polls during a Sunday consultation meeting with active organizations and journalists have cast shadows on the roadmap.

Chhatra Dal branch convener Mehdi Hasan Himel and member secretary Shamsul Arifin proposed delaying the election at the meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Mostafa Hasan in the Vice Chancellor's conference room.

Himel alleged, "The statute is a masterplan to marginalize us. Excluding MPhil and PhD students from voter and candidate eligibility is part of it, and the plan has succeeded."

He demanded, "We need 100 pass cards for our campaign. Our joint convener and convener members must get access for election activities. A specific group has already organized welfare programs, likely knowing the schedule in advance. We had programs until the 24th; give us the opportunity. This is undemocratic."

Shamsul Arifin added, "Journalists' access needs special rules. JnUCSU saw minor incidents twisted into violations by media. If students do that, they should be removed from the center immediately. Consult student leaders on pass cards for journalists."

He also insisted, "Like other campus elections, use indelible ink. Until that's arranged, the election must be halted."

Chhatra Shibir branch president Md. Riyazul Islam countered, "We want the election by 27 November. The administration announced the roadmap amid student movements; it's their moral duty to hold it on time. No postponement under any circumstances."

After the rules discussion, the commission planned to address the draft schedule, but Chhatra Dal's uproar—including table-slamming and shouting—halted proceedings. Student Nur Mohammad remarked, "Are you trying to sabotage the election?" Chhatra Dal leaders, including convener, member secretary, joint convener Sheikh Jafar Ahmed, and Shahriar Hossain, retorted, "Why would we sabotage? We're just voicing our demands."

The Chief Election Commissioner stood up amid the chaos, and journalists intervened to calm the Chhatra Dal activists. One commissioner member said, "We’ll work reasonably. Unreasonable demands won’t be accepted. We’re impartial and want a fair election. But yesterday’s behavior is unacceptable."

Chief Commissioner Professor Dr. Mostafa Hasan said, "Some actions yesterday seemed awkward. We’ll hold the election in December. Everyone gets time for programs, but we won’t yield to every demand."

Sources said the commission met Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Rezaul Karim after the meeting, reporting Chhatra Dal's conduct. Two members considered resigning to protect dignity if such behavior recurs. The original 3 November schedule was scrapped due to the uproar; no announcement is expected tomorrow. The commission is considering extending campaign time per Chhatra Shakti convener Faisal Murad’s demand.