The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal panel and Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed Shampritir Shikkharthi Jote panel contesting the Chittagong University student union elections announced their manifestos on Wednesday.
At around 3:30pm, the Chhatra Dal panel鈥檚 vice-president candidate for the CU central student union polls Sazzad Hossain Hridoy announced its eight-point manifesto at the university鈥檚 Buddhijibi Chattar.
Chhatra Dal central general secretary Nasir Uddin, vice-president Ziauddin Baset and other central and unit leaders were present at the unveiling.
The Chhatra Dal manifesto, among other pledges, promises to prioritise education and research to build a modern and student-friendly campus; ensure quality food and accommodation; and guarantee student safety along with a safe and women-friendly campus; improve transport facilities; promote cultural and sports activities; and enhance career development and employment opportunities.
Before announcing the manifesto, Sazzad Hossain Hridoy said, 鈥榃e met students at halls and departments to understand their needs. This eight-point manifesto reflects their aspirations, and we will work sincerely to implement it.鈥�
About an earlier at about 2:30pm, Shibir-backed Shampritir Shikkharthi Jote panel announced a 33-point reform-oriented manifesto at the same venue.
Panel vice-president candidate Ibrahim Hossain Rony read out the manifesto when general secretary candidate Sayeed Bin Habib and assistant general secretary candidate Sazzad Hossain Munna, among others, were present at the time.
The manifesto includes resolving on-going crisis in the students鈥� residential facilities, modernising and expanding shuttle train services, introducing a safe campus bus system, ensuring affordable and hygienic food, eliminating session jams, improving facilities for off-campus students, holding regular CUCSU elections, establishing a campus free from the allies of fascism and upholding the spirit of the War of Independence and July uprising.
It also pledges to ensure maternity leave and female-friendly common rooms and prevent sexual harassment and cyber-bullying, among other commitments.
Rony said, 鈥極ut manifesto focuses on the students鈥� expectations and real campus issues. We aim to implement all of these within 12 months.鈥�
Meanwhile, the Chhatra Dal panel filed a written complaint with the Chittagong University Central Student Union election commission, accusing Shibir-backed vice-president candidate Rony of violating the election code of conduct.
According to the complaint, Rony allegedly conducted campaign activities using a sound system inside Room 323 of the history department at Shaheed Hridoy Chandra Tarua Bhaban on Wednesday afternoon.
Rony, however, denied the allegation, saying, 鈥業 went to my department for academic purposes, not for campaigning. If the election commission asks for clarification, I will respond accordingly.鈥�
Chief election commissioner Professor Monir Uddin said, 鈥榃e have received the complaint regarding an incident of the violating election code of conduct. It has been forwarded to the committee responsible for monitoring the conduct of candidates.鈥�
The Chittagong University Central Students鈥� Union, hall and hostel union election code of conduct prohibits meetings or gatherings inside or around faculty buildings where classes and examinations take place, disrupting academic programmes in any means, including using sound systems or microphones.
After the Durga Puja holiday, the campus reopened this week, with student candidates and supporters resuming full-scale campaigning for the long-awaited CUCSU, hall and hostel union polls.
This year鈥檚 CUCSU election, scheduled for October 15 after a 35-year break.
Chittagong University, established in 1966, held CUCSU elections only six times: in 1970, 1972, 1974, 1979, 1981 and 1990.
