Jucsu polls: Finalised panels set the stage for tight contest

Excitement is mounting on the Jahangirnagar University campus as the Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (Jucsu) election draws closer.

With the final lists for both the central and hall parliaments published yesterday (29 August), candidates and supporters have begun active campaigning, turning the campus into an arena of political activity.

From tea stalls at Bot-tola to every corner of the university, the election has become the centre of student discussions.

Campaigning will continue until 9 September, while voting is scheduled for 11 September from 9am to 5pm.

This year's polls are shaping up to be competitive, with nearly all major organisations announcing full panels.

Alongside political student groups, panels have also been formed by cultural alliances, indigenous student groups, and independent candidates, promising a lively contest across almost all positions.

Sampritir Oikya highlights inclusivity

The progressive students' inclusive panel, Sampritir Oikya (Unity of Harmony), has drawn wide attention for announcing the most diverse candidates.

It includes 11 female candidates, seven indigenous candidates, and representatives from Hindu, Buddhist and Christian communities. 

Amartya Roy, former president of the Jahangirnagar University Chhatra Union, is contesting for vice president, while Nur E Tamim Srot is the general secretary (GS) candidate.

Shibir's return to the field

After more than three decades, Islami Chhatra Shibir has re-emerged in the campus political scene.

Contesting under Samannito Shikkharthi Jote (Coordinated Student Alliance), Shibir has nominated Mazharul Islam, its office secretary, as general secretary candidate.

Arifullah Adib has been nominated for the vice president (VP) slot.

Chhatra Dal introduces female GS candidate

Following internal conflict, Chatra Dal has finalised its panel with Sheikh Sadi Hasan running for vice president and Tanjila Hossain (Boishakhi) contesting as general secretary.

The nomination of a female general secretary candidate has set their panel apart from the rest.

However, the inclusion of Hamidullah Salman in the panel has stirred controversy.

Salman, president of the Chhatra Dal unit at Bishwakabi Rabindranath Tagore Hall, was suspended from the university for six months and charged in connection with the murder of former Chhatra League leader Shamim Molla last September.

Chhatra Sangsad's Shikkharthi Oikya Forum

Formed from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad has entered the election under Shikkharthi Oikya Forum (Student Unity Forum).

Arifuzzaman Uzzal, now convener of Chhatra Sangsad, is contesting for vice president, while Abu Touhid Mohammad Siam, known for his role in the July movement, is running for general secretary.

Independents join under Swatantra Shikkharthi Sammilan

Independent candidates, many of whom were active in the July mass uprising, have united under Swatantra Shikkharthi Sammilan (Independent Student Convention).

The panel features Abdur Rashid Jitu as vice president candidate and Shakil Ali, who was injured during protests and became known for a viral photograph, as general secretary candidate.

With established organisations and independent groups fielding strong candidates, the Jucsu election has created a closely balanced contest. 

As the campaigns intensify, the outcome on 11 September will determine who takes on the responsibility of representing the student body, and who must accept defeat in what promises to be a fiercely fought election.