Chittagong University is set to hold its long-awaited Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) election on 12 October, marking the first such polls in 36 years since 1990. The election will fill 28 central posts, with 25,860 registered voters on the draft list.
But controversy has already surfaced over ballot boxes. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Professor Monir Uddin has ruled out the use of transparent ballot boxes, citing prohibitive costs.
“Student union elections require unusually large ballots, often 15–20 pages long. To use transparent boxes, custom orders would be necessary, making it highly expensive. Budget constraints simply don’t allow it,” he told The Business Standard on Wednesday. Instead, steel ballot boxes will be used, similar to those in the last Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election.
Key Measures for the Election
- Dope tests mandatory: Candidates must undergo drug testing; any positive result will cancel candidacy.
- Polling centres expanded: Unlike DUCSU, CUCSU will use larger faculty buildings to ensure voter comfort.
- Strict booth rules: Mobile phones, devices, and bags will be banned inside booths. Storage facilities will be arranged.
- Vote counting: Separate ballot-paper boxes will be introduced to avoid delays. OMR scanning may also be used, with costs estimated at Tk. 25 lakh.
Concerns and Assurances
Questions have been raised over the 12-member election management committee, which includes teachers reportedly aligned with BNP and Jamaat. However, the CEC dismissed fears of interference, assuring that administrative oversight would keep the process transparent.
He also stressed that CU’s closed-campus environment, with limited entry points, would help prevent outside influence and ensure law and order on polling day.
Timeline of the Polls
- Final voter list: 11 September
- Nomination papers: Distribution begins 14 September, deadline 17 September (3:30pm)
- Verification: 18 September
- Preliminary candidate list: 21 September
- Withdrawal deadline: 23 September
- Final candidate list: 25 September
The university will remain closed for Durga Puja holidays (26 September–4 October), after which candidates will have an additional week to campaign both online and in residence halls.
