The Jahangirnagar University Central Students Union (JUCSU) election has been the dream of the universitys students for the past three decades, but it remains elusive.
The last election to the central students union was held three decades ago, way back in 1992-93.
However, none can predict when the deadlock of JUCSU will break, and the election will be initiated to elect student representatives for upholding the rights of the students.
The last JUCSU committee was disbanded by the JU authorities on 29 July 1993, after a clash took place between teachers and students following the decision to expel a student.
Although different students bodies have raised their voices for JUCSU elections several times, the authorities have always rejected their demand, citing the possibility of unrest on the campus and the need for approval from higher government authorities. Nevertheless, the authorities are still collecting JUCSU fees from the students on a regular basis.
According to the Jahangirnagar University Act 1973, the JUCSU election is supposed to be held every year.
All student bodies and teachers factions have asked for the JUCSU election several times, believing that it will ensure the coexistence of student bodies on the university campus.
They have raised the demand to hold the election as early as possible. The demand to reactivate JUCSU has been the key topic in the manifestos of different teachers bodies for a long time.
Various students bodies, including the Chhatra League, Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Union, Chhatra Front, and the Jahangirnagar Sangskritik Jote, have also been demanding the reactivation of JUCSU.
In an interview with The Daily Observer, Alif Mahmud, Convener of JU Chhatra Union, said, "The administration is silent about electing representatives for students and rejects it by showing various pretexts.
The election of various associations continues year after year, but not a single attempt has been initiated regarding the JUCSU election."
Expressing frustration over the indifference about JUCSU, he also said, "The administration is intentionally keeping us deprived for a long time."
Former JU Chhatra Dal General Secretary Abdur Rahim Saikat said, "JUCSU is deliberately remaining stuck to continue the misdeeds of administration and Chhatra League. The lack of willingness of the administration is the key hindrance to holding the election."
JU Chhatra League President Aktaruzzaman Shohel confirmed multiple discussions with the administration. He said, "JU VC promised us to take initiative after the national election of 2024. We have a plan to discuss further."
This correspondent interviewed numerous mass students and leaders-activists of various student bodies who expressed solidarity with the demand.
Citing the need for government approval, JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Nurul Alam said, "We will seek approval from the higher authorities of the government. If we get approval from the government, then we will take the initiative of JUCSU election. There will be no bar but approval."
