SUST Set for Student Election: Stalled Polls Start After 26 Years
After a long 26-year stalemate, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has finally announced the official schedule for the Central Students’ Union (SUCSU) and hall union elections. The authorities published the complete schedule while keeping the previously fixed voting date of 17 December unchanged.
According to the schedule:
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20 November: Publication of the draft voter list
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22 November: Submission of objections to the voter list
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23 November: Publication of the final voter list
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24 November: Distribution of nomination forms
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25 November: Distribution and submission of nomination forms
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26 November: Last date for submission of nomination forms
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27 November: Scrutiny of nomination papers
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28 November: Publication of the preliminary list of candidates
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30 November: Last date for withdrawal of nomination
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1 December: Hearing and settlement of appeals regarding candidature
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2 December: Publication of the final list of candidates
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17 December, 9am–4pm: Polling day
Meanwhile, the ‘SACSU and Hall Union Election Code of Conduct–2025’ prohibits the use of posters, billboards, and festoons for campaign purposes, as stated in sections 7 and 8.
Regarding campaign materials, the guidelines allow only black-and-white leaflets or handbills, not exceeding 60 cm by 45 cm. Candidates may not use any poster, nor may they use any photograph or symbol other than their own black-and-white picture in leaflets or handbills.
No leaflet or handbill may be placed on any structure, wall, vehicle, fence, tree, electric pole, telephone pole, or any other standing object inside the university campus, hall areas, main gate or surrounding areas. Damaging any opponent’s leaflet or handbill is strictly prohibited.
The code further states that no candidate or representative may use ink, lime, or chemicals to write, print, or draw on walls or vehicles for campaign purposes. No posters, billboards, or festoons may be used under any circumstance.
Under the section on lighting and installations, candidates or supporters are prohibited from setting up any gate, arch, tent, or campaign booth with lighting. No temporary or permanent stage may be erected for campaigning.
During the schedule announcement, Chief Election Commissioner Dr. Abul Mukit Mohammed Mokaddes said they are fully prepared to hold the election on the specified date. He also noted that cooperation from everyone is essential and that law enforcement agencies will be engaged if necessary. Election officials were present at the event.
Earlier, amid demands to advance or postpone the date, the Chief Election Commissioner announced the schedule at a press conference on 16 November (Sunday) afternoon at the ICT building. Prior to this, at 2 pm, several organisations including Islami Chhatra Shibir held a press conference demanding the election be held before 10 December. On the other hand, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal submitted a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor alleging undue pressure and conspiracies by certain student groups regarding the election.
Those present at the press conference included leaders and activists of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Andolon, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Majlis, Up Bangladesh, and the Anti-Discrimination Students’ Movement, along with members of various social, political, and cultural organisations.
They claimed that the administration had “come under pressure from a particular group,” ignoring the aspirations of the July mass uprising, and was avoiding students’ legitimate demands. They urged the authorities not to make any decision influenced by groups opposing the election date and to hold the election considering the normalcy of campus student politics and the national political environment.
DBTech/DS/IK/OR
