After more than three decades, the Jahangirnagar University Central Students` Union (JUCSU) election is finally scheduled to take place on July 31, though concerns and tensions continue to cloud the campus atmosphere.
Both students and teachers have expressed eagerness to see the election held, but disagreements over election conditions and unresolved demands from various student organisations have created a tense situation.
Experts warn that the success of the election heavily depends on whether the university administration can effectively address these disputes and ensure a fair process.
Some students believe the recent call for trials of alleged Awami League associates, following the government’s fall on August 5 last year driven by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has complicated the election scenario further.
The election schedule has already been postponed twice, and many students now remain skeptical about whether the voting will truly occur on the announced date.
Although active student organisations have not visibly accelerated their election campaigns, student leaders claim internal preparations are ongoing. The uncertainty is also reflected in statements from university officials.
"We are facing a big challenge due to our inexperience, as elections have not been held for 33 years. The lack of tolerance among students and teachers is also a barrier," said Professor Mafruhi Sattar, a member of the Election Commission.
In contrast, Proctor Rashidul Alam, another commission member, sounded optimistic: "The environment is improving. With everyone’s cooperation, it is possible to hold the election in a festive mood."
The first JUCSU election was held in 1972, electing Golam Morshed as vice president and Rokon Uddin as general secretary. The last election took place on July 6, 1992, under the BNP government.
Two elected general secretaries — Rokon Uddin and Mozammel Haque — were tragically assassinated while in office.
Rokon Uddin, who was affiliated with Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal and Chhatra League, was killed in Narayanganj. Mozammel Haque, a member of the Mujibbadi Chhatra League, was shot dead in his dormitory room in Al Beruni Hall, with attackers reportedly chanting slogans of the Sarbahara Party during their escape.
The JUCSU elections have long been a significant part of Jahangirnagar University’s student politics, and this year`s election, if successfully held, will mark the revival of an institution dormant for over three decades.
