Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal-backed panel on Saturday unveiled an eight-point manifesto for the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union elections, pledging to end ragging, forced political activities and what it called a culture of intimidation on campus.
At a press conference near the ‘Adamya 24’ memorial, vice-president candidate Sheikh Sadi Hasan and general secretary candidate Tanjila Hossain Baishakhi presented the election manifesto of the panel backed by JCD, the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
The panel vowed to permanently eradicate forced participation in political programmes, guestroom culture, harassment and armed occupation from the university, saying JCD aimed to ensure equal rights and coexistence for all students regardless of ideology, religion or background.
Baishakhi said women’s safety and participation were central to the agenda.
‘Half of Jahangirnagar University’s students are women. The university cannot move forward by ignoring them,’ she said while addressing the audience.
Vice-president candidate Sheikh Sadi added that the panel’s focus would be ‘inclusivity, women’s empowerment and restoring academic and cultural freedoms’.
Key promises include ensuring classes and exams run on schedule, boosting research funding, modernising facilities, and expanding opportunities for internships and jobs.
The panel also pledged stronger healthcare, safer dormitories, a handsome amount of subsidy on food, and better transport management.
For female students, the proposals highlight improved dorm security, anti-harassment measures and support for entrepreneurship.
The slate also promised to strengthen sports and cultural activities while promoting environmental protection on the campus.
A total of 179 candidates is set to vie for 25 posts in the JUCSU election, scheduled for September 11 after about 33 years.
The electorate numbers 11,919, with 6,102 male and 5,817 female voters.
At least seven panels are contesting the election, representing a wide political spectrum.
These include Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed Somonnito Shikkharthi Jote, Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad-backed Shikkharthi Oikyo Forum, and Gano Abhyutthan Rokhha Andolon-backed Sotontro Shikkharthi Sommilon.
In addition, several leftist and cultural alliances—Sompritir Oikyo, Songsaptok Parishad, and Sotontro Ongikar Parishad—have also fielded panels.
The candidates were allowed to campaign till September 9 ahead of the election, scheduled for September 11.
The election marks the first JUCSU vote in more than three decades, the last having been held in 1992, where JCD secured key positions.
