Chaksur VP-GS Shibir, AGS Chhatra Dal

The Sampriti Student Alliance supported by Islami Chhatra Shibir won the posts of President (VP) and General Secretary (GS) in the Chittagong University Central Students' Union (CHAKSU) elections held after a long 35 years. On the other hand, the candidate of the Chhatra Dal-supported panel won the post of Assistant General Secretary (AGS).

The results of the central parliament were officially announced at around 4:30 am on Wednesday (October 15). Voting was held from 9 am to 4 pm, and the counting continued until late at night.

For the VP post, Sampriti Student Alliance candidate Ibrahim Hossain Rony won by getting 7,983 votes. His nearest rival, Sajjad Hossain Hridoy of the Chhatra Dal-supported panel, got 4,374 votes.

For the GS post, Sayeed Bin Habib of the same alliance won by 8,031 votes. His nearest rival, Md. Shafayet Hossain received 2,724 votes.

On the other hand, Ayubur Rahman Toufiq of the Chhatra Dal-supported panel won the post of Assistant General Secretary (AGS). He received 7,14 votes, while Sazzat Hossain Munna, supported by Chhatra Shibir, received 5,045 votes.

The participation of students in this election, which was held after a long time, was festive. Students thronged the polling stations since morning. There was an atmosphere of joy and celebration throughout the university campus.

In the Chaksu election, a total of 908 candidates from 13 panels contested for 232 posts. Of these, 415 candidates contested for 26 posts in the central parliament and 493 candidates contested for 206 posts in 14 halls and one hostel parliament. There were a total of 47 female candidates.

Voters had to vote for a total of 40 posts—26 for the central parliament and 14 for the hall parliament. The voting was conducted on ballot papers and the counting was done using the OMR (Optical Mark Reader) method, which ensured the accuracy and transparency of the vote counting, the Election Commission said.

The results were announced in the auditorium of the Faculty of Business Administration of the university, while the results of the hall and hostel parliament were announced at the respective polling stations.

The administration took strict security measures to ensure a fair election. The deans of various faculties of the university served as the returning officers, while the departmental presidents were the presiding officers. A photo-enhanced voter list was used for voter identification.

To facilitate the transportation of students on the day of the election, a shuttle train ran from the city to the university 11 times. In addition, the administration operated 15 bus services so that students could vote without any problems.

According to university administration sources, the process of taking charge of the elected officials will begin soon after the results are announced after the overnight counting.

Chittagong University is now in a festive mood with this Chaksu election being held after a long three decades. Students believe that this election will usher in a new chapter in university student politics.