SUST Suspends Ban on Student Politics Ahead of Students Union Election
The Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has suspended its ban on student politics ahead of the upcoming student union (SUCSU) elections. The decision was confirmed in a circular signed by the university’s Additional Registrar, A. F. M. Miftahul Haque, on Monday, September 22.
The notification stated that the suspension of the ban, originally imposed on November 6, 2024, was based on a unanimous recommendation from an all-party student organization meeting with the proctorial committee held on August 18.
However, the circular clarified that for the sake of maintaining law and order, student political activities must be conducted with the approval of the university’s proctor. Restrictions on meetings and rallies in academic buildings, administrative offices, and residential halls will remain in place as before.
Student politics under party banners had been prohibited at SUST for nearly 10 months. With the ShakSU election approaching, the proctorial body last week recommended reinstating student politics on campus under party banners.
Earlier, on November 6 of last year, the university administration had issued a notification banning student politics under party affiliation on campus.
Recently, SUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. M. Sarwaruddin Chowdhury announced that the university’s central student union (ShakSU) election would be held in the second week of November.
Speaking to the media, SUST Proctor Professor Mokhlesur Rahman said: “After sitting with students and student organizations, we recommended to the administration that student politics be reinstated. The administration, after comprehensive consideration, has decided to allow it.”
He further added: “In the history of the university, political rallies or gatherings have never been held in academic buildings. Therefore, student politics will remain prohibited there. And if student politics is allowed in the halls, ruling-party organizations could begin unhealthy practices reminiscent of the fascist era. That is why student politics will remain banned in residential halls.”
However, the proctor clarified that political activities related to SUCSU may be carried out with the administration’s permission.
