273 Candidates in JAKSU Election After 33 Years: Higher Competition in Male Halls, Lower in Female Halls

A total of 273 candidates submitted nomination papers for 25 central positions in the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) election. Meanwhile, for 315 positions across 21 residential halls, 467 candidates submitted nominations. However, the number of candidates in female halls is comparatively lower, and in five halls, the number of candidates did not even meet the allocated positions.

The deadline for submitting nomination papers was Thursday at 4 PM. Afterward, the Election Commission Secretary and the university proctor A K M Rashidul Alam told a press conference that there are no concerns regarding the election and that the university is ready to conduct a smooth and fair election.

The election is scheduled for September 11, and the final list of candidates will be published on August 29.

Fewer Candidates in Female Halls

In the university’s 15 female halls, competition is generally low. For instance:

• Nawab Faizunnesa Hall – 6 candidates
  
  

• Hall No. 13 – 6 candidates
  
  

• Sufia Kamal Hall – 10 candidates
  
  

• Begum Khaleda Zia Hall – 11 candidates
  
  

• Pritilata Hall – 13 candidates
  
  

Some female students were interested in contesting but could not participate due to lack of family permission. Additionally, many students who led the July protests are unable to participate due to exams.

Professor Mafruhi Sattar, a member of the JAKSU Election Commission, said that one-third of the members are sufficient to maintain the hall council, but vacant positions will require a re-election.

Higher Competition in Male Halls

The number of candidates in male halls is much higher than in female halls. Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall saw the highest number of nominations with 60 candidates for 15 positions. Other halls:

• Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Hall – 49 candidates
  
  

• Mir Mosharraf Hossain Hall – 30 candidates
  
  

• Hall No. 21 – 38 candidates
  
  

Chhatra Shibir and Other Panels

On the last day of nominations, the “Samannito Shikkharthi Jot” (United Student Alliance) announced its panel under the banner of Chhatra Shibir. Arifullah Adib submitted nomination for Vice President, and Mazharul Islam for General Secretary.

The Democratic Student Union may also announce its panel under the name Shikkharthi Oikko Forum, and other leftist and cultural alliances will announce their panels soon.

Chhatra Dal Candidates Not Finalized

Leaders of the Chhatra Dal branch have not finalized their candidates even after a 14-hour meeting. Convener Zahir Uddin Babar said that the panel announcement and the list of candidates by position will be published on Sunday.

University sources indicate that while competition in female halls is low, male halls may see intense rivalry. After withdrawal of nominations, the exact number of candidates and competition will become clearer.