Chaksu Election at University of Chittagong After 35 Years, Campus Abuzz with Festive Atmosphere

PNN News Desk | Chittagong:

After 35 years, the University of Chittagong (CU) is set to hold its Central Students’ Union (Chaksu) election tomorrow, Wednesday. Following the long hiatus, the campus is now full of electoral excitement, with students eagerly participating. Campaigning has concluded, and candidates are busy with last-minute preparations.

According to the Election Commission, a total of 907 candidates are contesting for both central and hall unions. Of these, 415 are running for the central union and 492 for hall and hostel unions. In the central union, 48 women and 366 men are competing. This year, the total number of voters is 27,517, including 16,084 male students and 11,434 female students.

The Election Commission has confirmed that all preparations have been completed to ensure a fair, impartial, and peaceful election. Around 400–500 students will vote in each of the 60 polling stations. Each faculty’s dean has been appointed as the returning officer, and departmental chairpersons as presiding officers. From Tuesday, outsiders have been prohibited from entering the campus.

From the student party-backed panel, VP candidate Sajjad Hossain Hridoy of the Philosophy Department has pledged to create a safe, terror-free, and inclusive campus. His manifesto promises equal opportunities for men and women, additional facilities for students with special needs, increased subsidies in the canteen, reserved seats in halls, more Braille books, and “a seat and a study table for every student.”

Meanwhile, the Chhatra Shibir-backed panel has outlined 9 focus points and 33 commitments in their manifesto. VP candidate Ibrahim Hossain Roni stated, “The Chaksu election is the greatest festival for students. If elected, I will build bridges between the administration and students to create a student-friendly environment.” He has promised a safe campus, pollution control, CCTV installation, repair of lights, and a litter-free campus.

The ‘Independent Student Alliance’ panel’s VP candidate Mahfuzur Rahman emphasized, “Chaksu is the true platform for student representation. If elected, I will unite students, remove divisions, and build a safe campus.” He has also promised to address transport and housing issues and improve the learning environment.

The last Chaksu election at the University of Chittagong was held in 1990. For over three decades, students have awaited this election. The campus is now alive with the festive spirit, decorated with posters and banners. Students hope that this election will mark a fresh beginning of democratic practice at the university.