CUST Election Faces Female Candidate Shortage: Only One Woman Nominated for Top Two Posts

PNN News Desk | Chattogram:

Although ten panels have been announced for the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUST) election, there is almost no female presence for the posts of Vice President (VP) and General Secretary (GS). Only one panel—the “Independent Students’ Alliance”—has nominated a woman for these top positions. From their panel, Physics student Tasnim Jahan Shrabon is contesting the GS post.

The other nine panels have not nominated any women for the VP and GS posts. Organizations claim that female candidates could not contest for top posts due to lagging participation and organizational weaknesses. However, many students believe the real reason lies in political mindset limitations and continued neglect toward women.

The seventh CUST election will be held on 12 October. In this vote, which is happening after 35 years, a total of 26 representatives will be elected out of 28 posts. The Vice Chancellor will serve as President, and the Treasurer will be appointed by the Vice Chancellor.

Female students opine that due to regular bullying, shaming, and moral policing on campus, many women lack the courage to participate in politics. Tasnim Jahan said, “Chittagong University is not a safe political space for female students. Women face harassment both online and offline.”

Meanwhile, students note that while women have actively participated in various movements, their absence in top positions is surprising. Saadia Nasrin, a student of Human Resource Management, said, “We expected at least a few panels to nominate women for the top posts. But that didn’t happen, which is disappointing.”

Teachers and students believe that giving priority to women in leadership could set a new precedent in the CUST election. Currently, the discussion focuses not on women’s participation but rather on their absence.