Chatra Dal GS candidate among 2 violate JnUCSU code by funding concert

Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) election code of conduct was violated when Chatra Dal-backed ‘United Fearless Jibians’ panel’s GS candidate Khadijatul Kubra donated to a campus concert. Literature and Culture Secretary candidate Takrim Ahmed also made a donation from the same stage.

A video of the donation at the concert held on Sunday evening (23 November) at Jagannath University campus has gone viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism.

The video shows GS candidate Khadijatul Kubra taking the stage and announcing a donation of Tk 50,000. Literature and Culture Secretary candidate Takrim Ahmed announced a Tk 30,000 donation on behalf of Chatra Dal. Unit Convener Mehedi Hasan Himel and Member Secretary Shamsul Arefin were also present.

The charity concert was organised to raise funds for the treatment of Finance Department student Meer Noor Neva, who is battling cancer. The concert permit from the Election Commission stipulated: ‘No independent or panel candidate will be present on the concert stage.’

On stage, GS candidate Khadijatul Kubra announced: “Alhamdulillah, I have raised Tk 50,000 in funds. Keep me in your prayers so I can always stand by you in the future.”

Literature and Culture Secretary candidate Takrim Ahmed announced from the stage: “I am announcing a Tk 30,000 donation on behalf of Chatra Dal. This donation comes from the JnU Chatra Dal committee, including the convener and member secretary.”

Meanwhile, GS candidate Khadijatul Kubra faces allegations of distributing sanitary pads and mugs in girls’ hall rooms after nomination submission and soliciting votes for herself.

JnU student Ahmed Reza posted the video in a university Facebook group, saying: “The administration’s action on this incident will show if they are capable of delivering a fair election at all.”

JnUCSU Code of Conduct Rule 5(g) on election campaigning states: ‘From the day before nomination distribution until the announcement of election results, all social, cultural and welfare programmes at this university will remain suspended.’

Rule 17(a) on candidate expenditure limits states: ‘A candidate may spend a maximum of Tk 5,000 for hall union elections and Tk 15,000 for central union elections.’

Rule 17(b) adds: ‘If evidence of financial transactions exceeding the limit is found for influencing the election, the candidature will be cancelled.’

When contacted, GS candidate Khadijatul Kubra said: “I attended the concert not as a candidate, but as a student of the university. I did not donate Tk 50,000 from my own pocket. I had the opportunity to fundraise, so I did that.”

Literature and Culture Secretary candidate Takrim Ahmed said: “I went to the concert not as a candidate, but as a co-organiser. I announced the amount of Chatra Dal’s donation.”

On taking action, JnUCSU Election Commissioner Associate Prof Dr Anisur Rahman said: “Someone sent me the video, I have watched it. We will discuss and take action on this matter.”