Chatra Dal to Field Single Panel in CUCSU Election Amid Push for Inclusive Panels by Others

The formal process for the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) election, the first in 35 years, kicked off on Sunday, September 14, with nomination form distribution sparking election fervor across the campus. Similar to DUCSU and JUCSU, discussions are underway for multiple panels in CUCSU. However, Chatra Dal has announced it will field a single panel, while Chhatra Shibir, Chhatra Adhikar Parishad, Islami Chhatra Andolan, and others are gearing up for inclusive panel formations.

According to the Election Commission, nearly 50 nomination forms have been sold so far for central and hall union posts combined. On the first day, the joint panel of Chhatra Union and Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, named “Droho Parishad,” collected forms as a panel. Chhatra Adhikar Parishad’s CU branch member secretary Roman Rahman announced plans for a panel called “CUCSU for Rapid Change.”

A joint panel from left-leaning organizations is also in the works. Various sources indicate that over eight panels may contest the CUCSU election. This year, students pursuing MPhil and PhD, in addition to undergraduate and postgraduate levels, can run for office. The code of conduct limits candidates to no more than five supporters when submitting or collecting nomination papers. Voting will be conducted using the OMR method, similar to DUCSU.

Roman Rahman, who is considering a panel with others, said, “We are in talks with two major student organizations, Chatra Dal and Shibir. If they show us due respect, we are ready to contest with them. Alongside these discussions, we are forming an inclusive panel with frontline fighters from campus movements and struggles. We plan to collect nomination forms tomorrow.”

A senior Chatra Dal leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed, “As a major student organization, we will field a single panel. We have many dedicated leaders and activists who deserve organizational respect. So, like in other universities, we will announce a single panel for CUCSU. We will declare our panel soon as per central directives.”

Asked if Shibir’s dominance in DUCSU and JUCSU would influence CUCSU, he replied, “Shibir’s unchallenged victories in DUCSU and JUCSU have naturally sparked discussions among students. I don’t think it will affect CUCSU, as the environment here is different. However, the independent VP victory in JUCSU sends a positive message that alternatives are possible.”

Chhatra Shibir’s CU branch secretary Mohammad Parvez said, “Panel formation is almost complete. We will announce the names soon. Our panel will include July warriors, female students, and disabled students.”

Islami Chhatra Majlis CU branch president Sakib Mahmud Rumi added, “We are busy with panel formation. We will announce an inclusive panel. It will feature genuine student representatives who will truly represent.”

Chatra Dal’s senior joint convener Mahfuzur Rahman and recently expelled central organizer Rashidul Haq Dinajpur are set to announce an independent panel. Rashidul Haq, a GS candidate, said, “We will announce an independent panel including everyone from the mass uprising tomorrow.”

A joint panel from left-leaning organizations is also likely. Overall, more than eight panels may contest the CUCSU election. Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Monir Uddin expressed optimism, stating, “We are very positive about the election. We’ve seen enthusiasm among students. Today, on the second day, that enthusiasm has grown. I expect everyone will collect nomination forms tomorrow. We will conduct the election with 100% transparency.”

According to the schedule, the preliminary candidate list will be published on September 21. Candidates can withdraw nomination papers on September 23. The final list will be released on September 25. Voting will be held on October 12 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM using the OMR method, with results displayed on LED screens.