JUCSU elections: JCD calls for reforms, general students accuse of election delay tactics

Tensions are rising at Jahangirnagar University over the upcoming Central Student Union (JUCSU) elections, with students divided over the demand for reforms.

The Bangladesh Jatiyotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) held a protest march and sit-in programme demanding reforms before the JUCSU elections. Starting at the university's transport yard at 4:45pm today (1 February), the protest concluded in a three-hour sit-in in front of the new registrar building.  

The JCD leaders argue that fair elections are impossible with current JUCSU leadership, whom they allege are affiliated with the Awami League. 

They also demand reforms to the JUCSU constitution and accountability for the 15 July attack on students. 

"If our demands are not accepted today, we will announce the next programme," said Anik, member secretary of JCD's Jahangirnagar University unit.  

JCD convener Zahir Uddin Mohammad Babar echoed the same sentiment.

Countering this, a group of students under the banner "Jahangirnagar for JUCSU" held their own protest and sit-in at 7pm. 

They accuse the JCD of attempting to foil the JUCSU elections by raising reform demands.  

They insist on the announcement of the JUCSU election schedule, which was expected today.

Abdur Rashid Jitu, convener of the Mass Uprising Protection Movement, questioned the presence of "non-students" at the JCD protest and their involvement in university affairs.  

He warned the administration against repeating past mistakes and demanded the immediate announcement of the election schedule.  

Shaon, general secretary of the Economics Department Students' Union, said, "Just as one group used violence and chaos before 5 August, another group is doing the same now. We had to drive them out before, and we will stand against them again. We want a student parliament, not external political influence on campus. 

"The schedule must be announced today."