Cucsu fever intensifies: 410 running for central posts; 24 hall candidates win unopposed
Meanwhile, 24 hall union positions were filled uncontested, with 15 secretarial and six executive posts going to candidates without opposition.
Chittagong University is set to hold its first Central Students' Union polls in 35 years, with students and faculty gearing up for the landmark vote, as the Cucsu Election Commission released the list of candidates today (22 September) after thorough scrutiny, validating 410 central nominations and cancelling 19.
Disqualified candidates still have the option to appeal, said Professor AKM Ariful Haque Siddiqui, member secretary of the Election Commission.
Polling is scheduled for 12 October, from 9am to 4pm, marking a significant return to campus democracy after decades.
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Competition is particularly intense for the top central positions, with 23 candidates running for Vice-President, and 21 each for General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary.
Hall union contests are also shaping up to be competitive, with multiple candidates vying for Vice-President, General Secretary, and Joint General Secretary posts.
Meanwhile, 24 hall union positions were filled uncontested, with 15 secretarial and six executive posts going to candidates without opposition.
Nawab Faizunnesa Choudhurani Hall produced the largest share of uncontested winners, with eight secretaries—Paromita Chakma (Vice President), Iti Chakma (Sports Secretary), Protyasha Chakma (Literature and Culture Secretary), Aparajita Barua Tinni (Office Secretary), Khing Khing Chen (Reading Room and Library Secretary), Monalisa Chakma (Social Welfare Secretary), Suranjona Tripura (Science and ICT Secretary), and Shreya Talukder (Communication Secretary), alongside three executive members: Anannya Chakma, Promita Chakma, and Shipra Tanchangya.
Shamsun Nahar Hall also filled its posts without contest, electing four secretaries—Saimun Sadia (Office Secretary), Nisat Jannat (Library Secretary), Iffat Ara Jui (Social Welfare Secretary), and Kaniz Fatema Sifat (Communication Secretary), and three executive members: Nasifa Naeem Tasfia, Miftahul Janna, and Afia Jahan. The sports secretary post, however, remains vacant.
Other halls completed their uncontested selections as well: Pritilata Hall elected Antora Chakma (Sports Secretary) and Sirajum Munira (Science Secretary), Shilpi Rashid Chowdhury Hostel chose Mahmudul Islam Minhaj and Abu Bakar Siddiq as executive members, Bijoy 24 Hall elected Antora Saha as Sports Secretary, and Shahjalal Hall's reading room secretary post went to Shibir-backed Tanvir Hasan Pranto. Any posts without candidates will remain vacant, according to the Cucsu Election Commission.
Cucsu Chief Election Commissioner Professor Monir Uddin said a total of 931 nominations were submitted across central and hall union posts—429 for central positions and 502 for hall unions. Candidates can withdraw their nominations until 23 September, objections will be addressed on 24 September, and the final list will be published on 25 September, setting the stage for a landmark election that has students and faculty alike eagerly anticipating 12 October.
