United News of Bangladesh

Voting in the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) and Hall Students’ Union elections began on Tuesday (January 06, 2026) amid a festive and peaceful atmosphere. The polling started at around 9am and will continue uninterrupted until 3:30pm. Students began casting their votes from the morning, marking a significant day in campus politics. Long queues of voters were seen in front of the polling centres. This is the first time such elections are being held since Jagannath University was established as a university. Read more: Long-cherished JnUCSU Election on Tuesday A total of 16,500 students are expected to cast their votes at 178 booths across 39 polling centres. Besides, 1,242 students will exercise their voting rights in one hall union. According to the Election Commission, 39 polling centres have been set up, with 178 booths installed across these centres. Of these, 38 centres have been designated for the central students’ union, while one separate centre has been allocated for the hall parliament. Law enforcement agencies and volunteer teams have also been deployed alongside the university administration to maintain security. DU VC meets Tarique Rahman, discusses campus safety ahead of election Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Rezaul Karim said, “The university administration has taken all necessary measures to ensure that the long-awaited JnUCSU election is conducted in a free, fair and impartial manner. This election is extremely important for fostering a democratic environment and leadership development at the university. I hope voters will exercise their voting rights in a disciplined manner in a festive atmosphere.” University Proctor Prof Dr Muhammad Tazammul Haque said adequate security measures have been taken in connection with the elections. He also expressed the hope that these measures would remain in place until the completion of the polling. According to the list published on the website, there are four candidates for the Liberation War and Democracy post, nine for Education and Research, five for Science and Technology, five for Health and Environment, four for Law and Human Rights, eight for International Affairs, seven for Literature and Culture, seven for Sports, four for Transport, ten for Social Service and Student Welfare, seven for Library and Seminar, and 57 candidates competing for seven member posts. In the women’s hall, a preliminary list of candidates has been published for 13 posts. These include three candidates for Vice-President (VP), three for General Secretary (GS), two for Assistant General Secretary (AGS), two for Literature and Publication Secretary, four for Culture Secretary, two for Library Secretary, two for Sports Secretary, three for Social Service and Student Welfare Secretary, four for Health and Environment Secretary, and eight candidates competing for four member posts. The JnUCSU election was scheduled to be held on December 30 but was postponed following the demise of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Read more: Candidates not allowed to enter any center other than their own: JnUCSU Election Commission

The long-awaited student union election process at Jagannath University have officially kicked off, following the publication of the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) election rules and the formation of its Election Commission, marking a distinctive step in the process. Political student organisations are now racing to form ‘inclusive panels’ while several independent candidates are also preparing to contest either through partial alliances or independent lists. According to various campus-based student groups, at least four organisations are in the process of forming three separate panels. JnU units of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Islami Chhatra Shibir are planning to form inclusive panels, while Jatiya Chhatra Shakti and Chhatra Adhikar Parishad are holding talks to field a joint panel. JCD leader and prospective JnUCSU vice-president candidate passes away Left-leaning student groups are also moving towards unity to strengthen their position. Chhatra Dal’s Inclusive Presentation Sources within the JnU Chhatra Dal said that among the three top positions—VP, GS, and AGS—two may be filled by popular female candidates including at least one from outside the organisation. The group is trying to engage academically accomplished, athletic, and socially active students and five to seven potential candidates are expected to come from non-political backgrounds. “We have not yet finalised our decision. We are considering both internal and external aspirants. Our goal is to form a unique and inclusive panel by involving female and Hindu students,” said JnU Chhatra Dal member secretary Shamsul Arefin. Shibir’s Focus Popular Candidates Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, is also working to create a diverse panel by including non-members and female students. At least one of the top three positions may go to a non-member, sources said. The group plans to include members of Chhatri Sangstha, Jamaat’s female student wing, students involved in the July Movement, and other progressive people with strong academic and social credentials. JnUCSU election roadmap announced, polls on Nov 27 “We are working to form an inclusive panel consisting of members from Shibir, Chhatri Sangstha, and other students from outside the organisation,” said JnU Shibir president Md Riazul Islam. Adhikar and Chhatra Shakti After years of separate political activity, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, the student wing of National Citizen Party (NCP) and Chhatra Adhikar Parishad are now holding talks to launch a joint panel. Both groups, reportedly disheartened by poor results in other universities’ elections, are keen to consolidate their strength at JnU by nominating academically sound and movement-oriented candidates. “Negotiations with Chhatra Shakti are progressing well though some matters are still under negotiation,” said JnU Chhatra Adhikar Parishad president AKM Rakib. Chhatra Shakti convener Faisal Murad said, “Candidates will be selected based on merit and acceptance. Our panel will also include female and Hindu students.” What Leftists Want Left-leaning organisations are in talks to form a single alliance after facing setbacks in past elections due to division. They plan to include progressive, non-partisan students particularly those active in cultural and social organisations on campus. JnU students besiege VC office, demand action over attack on teachers   “We will ensure maximum inclusivity in our panel. It will include progressive organisations, female students, indigenous students, and even participants from campus cultural groups,” said JnU Socialist Students’ Front president Evan Tahsib. Besides, students involved in journalism, cultural activities, and voluntary work are considering forming an independent panel under the Abakash Bhaban network. Dope Test The JnU Election Commission has announced a draft code of conduct that makes drug testing mandatory for all candidates contesting the central and hall union polls. Anyone testing positive for drug use will be disqualified. The draft, released on Thursday night, also bars students convicted of criminal offences, disciplinary violations, or sexual misconduct from voting or contesting. Students previously punished by the university will remain ineligible until their suspension period ends but may regain eligibility afterward. Campaigning inside classrooms or exam halls during academic sessions will be prohibited, as will rallies and assemblies on campus during the election period. Candidates may spend up to Tk 5,000 in hall elections and Tk 15,000 in central elections while offering food, drinks, or gifts to voters is strictly forbidden. Defamatory, hateful, or provocative speech is also banned. “The initial decision for drug tests has been made but no election date has been set yet. The schedule will be finalised through discussions,” said Chief Election Commissioner Prof Dr Mostafa Hasan. BNP announces possible candidates for 237 constituencies