SUCSU Election Stalemate Sparks Shutdown Threat at SUST

Ahead of the national parliamentary election, protesting candidates and students have demanded that the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) relax its rules to allow the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Central Students’ Union (SUCSU) election to be held. They also warned of a “complete shutdown” on campus if the Supreme Court verdict on the election does not go in line with their expectations. In addition, students from 28 departments of the university have announced a boycott of classes and examinations starting Wednesday.

The shutdown announcement was made at a press conference held on Wednesday afternoon, January 21, in front of the university library building.

Speaking at the press conference, Delwar Hossain Shishir, vice-presidential (VP) candidate of the SUCSU panel Durbaar SUSTian Oikya, alleged, “A group influenced two candidates and one voter to file a writ, which led to the suspension of the election and deprived nearly 9,000 voters of their voting rights.”

He further said, “We are demanding that the Supreme Court consider our sincere appeal and deliver a verdict in our favor. Otherwise, we will announce a complete shutdown on campus.”

Independent general secretary (GS) candidate Faisal Hossain said at the press conference, “We understand that there is a legal provision prohibiting elections within 21 days of the national election. However, we urge the Supreme Court to consider that the SUCSU election schedule was announced before the national election schedule.”

Another GS candidate, Mujahidul Islam, alleged, “Just two days before the vote, on Tuesday, Chhatra Dal arranged for a writ petition by bribing two candidates and one student with a large sum of money. We strongly condemn such actions that go against the interests of students.”

The press conference was attended by candidates, supporters and students from various panels, including Mostakim Billah, VP candidate of the Chhatra Dal-backed panel Sammilito SUSTian Oikya, and independent GS candidate Palash Bakhtiar.

It may be recalled that following a High Court order on January 19, the university authorities applied to the Appellate Division seeking an urgent hearing. However, on January 20, the Supreme Court deferred the hearing and instructed that the matter proceed as a regular case.

DBTech/DSP/EK/OR