Voting in the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) election is underway peacefully, though allegations of irregularities centering a polling station have surfaced.
Candidates backed by Chhatra Shibir and Chhatra Dal alleged that ballots were being cast without signature from the presiding officer at room No-214 of the IT Building centre.
Shibir-supported vice president candidate Ibrahim Roni alleged their polling agents informed them that 15–20 ballot papers without the presiding officer’s signature were dropped into the box in room No-214.
“No ballot can be accepted without signature. Later, we were told that the Election Commission will review the issue in front of the agents and decide,” he said.
Historic CUCSU elections underway after 35 years
Meanwhile, Chhatra Dal-backed VP contestant Sajjad Hossain also alleged that the indelible ink applied to voters’ thumbs before casting ballots was being wiped off.
Acknowledging the issue, assistant presiding officer of the room Prof Hasan Khaled Rauf said 12 unsigned ballots were mistakenly cast.
“The polling agents made the mistake. They are new and inexperienced. However, the entire process is being monitored under CCTV surveillance, ensuring transparency,” he said, adding that the Election Commission is taking action in this regard.
The CUCSU polls, being held on Wednesday for the first time in 35 years, began at 9 am and will continue until 4 pm.
The voting is going on across 15 centres in five buildings under Business Administration, Social Sciences, Science, and Arts & Humanities faculties amid a festive atmosphere.