Chhatra Dal stages midnight protest at Shahbagh over alleged rigging in CUCSU polls

Bangla Press Desk: The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) staged a midnight protest and sit-in at Shahbagh intersection in the capital on Wednesday, alleging vote rigging and irregularities in the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) elections.

Leaders and activists of the student organisation gathered in front of the National Museum around 11 pm and chanted slogans demanding transparency in the election process.

The demonstration was led by Chhatra Dal central president Rakibul Islam Rakib. Dhaka University unit general secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon, leaders of the Metropolitan Chhatra Dal, and activists from various units joined the programme.

Speaking to the media, Rakibul Islam Rakib said, “There are attempts to rig the Chittagong University student union elections. We have received reports of several irregularities. That is why we have taken a protest stand in Shahbagh.”

He further warned, “We have seen various irregularities in the DUCSU and JACSU elections in the past. If any manipulation is found in the CUCSU polls this time, the Chhatra Dal will resist it strongly.”

Rakib also remarked, “The hypocrites are fine because Chhatra Dal has been patient so far. But if we stand up, they will not be able to withstand our resistance.”

Earlier on Wednesday, voting for the Chittagong University Central Student Union and Hall Union elections took place from 9 am to 4 pm- the first such election in 35 years.

Thirteen panels contested the polls, with a total of 908 candidates vying for 232 posts. Despite allegations of irregularities, the Chittagong University Chhatra Dal leaders announced at a post-election press conference that they would not boycott the polls.

BP/SP