Chittagong University to Hold Chaktshu Election After 35 Years; Schedule to Be Announced Soon

After a long wait, the schedule for the Chittagong University (CU) Central Student Union (ChakSU) election may be announced by the end of next week. University authorities have stated that this long-awaited election is expected to be held on any day during the last week of September.

Although the university’s 559th Syndicate meeting on August 1 finalized the constitution, the election schedule has not yet been announced. However, the administration has formed a 12-member committee to oversee the election. Professor Dr. Monir Uddin of the Chemistry Department has been appointed as convener, and Professor A.K.M. Ariful Haque Siddiqui of the Physics Department has been assigned as member secretary.

Dr. Monir Uddin said, “We are currently preparing the voter list, which will be finalized by Sunday. Work is also underway regarding the code of conduct. Once these two tasks are completed, we will announce the schedule. We hope all preparations will be completed by next week.”

However, some student organizations have raised objections regarding certain provisions of the constitution. In particular, the age limit of 30 years for candidates and the reservation of two office secretary positions exclusively for male students have been opposed by several groups including Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, and Chhatra Adhikar Parishad.

Alaudin Mohsin, president of the CU branch of Chhatra Dal, said, “The age limit and reserved positions are designed to benefit certain groups. We have demanded their revision.”

Mohammad Ali, president of the CU branch of Chhatra Shibir, said, “We will hold a sit-in on Sunday demanding full housing and a quick announcement of the schedule. ChakSU is a recognized platform for students, so the election should be organized without delay.”

Roman Rahman, member secretary of Chhatra Adhikar Parishad, accused, “While other universities have already announced election dates, the CU administration is delaying the decision under the influence of two major student organizations.”

Jashad Zakir, president of Biplobi Chhatra Maitri, said, “Proposals for constitutional reforms have been submitted. These need to be resolved quickly to ensure the election.”

It is worth noting that the last ChakSU election at Chittagong University was held in 1990. After 35 long years, a new generation of students will once again have the opportunity to participate in this election.