The Chittagong University Central Students鈥� Union election commission on Monday announced that a separate polling centre would be set up for visually impaired voters in the forthcoming elections to CUCSU and hall unions.
The campaigning for the CUCSU elections, scheduled for October 15, ended on Monday.
According to a notice signed by election commissioner and member secretary professor AKM Ariful Haque Siddique, the decision was made following applications from visually impaired students.
The special booth will be located on the second floor of the CUCSU building, where two election commissioners will supervise and assist visually impaired voters during the casting of votes.
Meanwhile, the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed Shampritir Shikkharthi Jote panel demanded the formation of an emergency response team to handle complaints on the polling day.
Speaking at a press conference held at Buddijibi Chattar at about noon, general-secretary candidate Sayeed Bin Habib said that a joint team consisting of university officials and representatives from all contesting panels should be formed to ensure swift and transparent resolution of election-related complaints.
He alleged that the spread of false information and cyberbullying on social media had intensified ahead of the polls, and the administration had not taken visible action.
Complaints about code of conduct violations have been submitted, but no effective measures have been seen so far, he said, adding that an emergency response team was essential on the polling day.
Earlier in the day, candidates and their supporters of different panels were seen conducting last-minute campaigning in Zero Point, Station and Kolabagan areas, distributing leaflets designed after their electoral symbols including hand fans, guitars, birds, trophies and shuttle trains while seeking votes and good wishes from students.
Some panels also used songs and street plays for campaigning.
CUCSU assistant sports and athletics secretary candidate Chingsimong Marma said, 鈥楿nlike past student elections, no untoward incident has taken place this time. We are excited that our CUCSU election is being held in an orderly manner. We hope it will be festive and peaceful.鈥�
When asked about any possible challenges, he said, 鈥楾here is some uncertainty about whether non-residential students will come to vote. We are requesting them to take part in the voting spontaneously.鈥�
Chittagong University, established in 1966, held CUCSU elections only six times: in 1970, 1972, 1974, 1979, 1981 and 1990.
