olling is underway at Jahangirnagar University (JU) on Thursday for the long-awaited election of the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) and the hall unions — the first such polls in 33 years. Voting began shortly after 9:00 a.m. and will continue until 5:00 p.m.
Election officials were seen preparing polling centers from early morning, while security forces took positions at gates and key locations to ensure order on campus. Ballot papers and voting booths were set up across multiple halls, with law enforcement agencies overseeing the process.
Early in the day, a steady but relatively low turnout of voters was reported at several halls, although officials expect participation to increase as the day progresses. Voting was proceeding in common rooms and designated areas, with voters’ fingers marked with indelible ink after casting their ballots. In at least one hall, voting started later than scheduled, and there were reports of confusion over the presence of polling agents.
More than 2,000 members of the police, Ansar, and other law enforcement agencies have been deployed on campus to maintain law and order. Election authorities said the process was largely peaceful and orderly.
There are 11,743 registered voters in this election. The central union election covers 25 positions contested by 177 candidates, while elections for 21 residence hall unions are also taking place simultaneously. Nine candidates are vying for vice-president, and eight for general secretary.
Seven panels are contesting the election, including four full panels and three partial panels, alongside many independent candidates.
