FROM PAGE 4

campaign meeting of the Shibir-backed “Sommilito Shikkharthi Jote” on Monday night.

“The move actually benefited Shibir. It sent a message that Shibir wanted to serve food but the administration did not allow it,” he said, adding that no action had been taken against earlier code violations by other panels.

On Monday night, the Rucsu Election Commission stopped around 400 food packets brought by “Sommilito Shikkharthi Jote” during a campaign meeting at Mannujan Hall and Khaleda Zia Hall, citing a violation of the electoral code of conduct.

Panel representatives, including its VP candidate Mostakur Rahman Zahid and Shibir’s general secretary Mujahid Faisal, alleged that they were obstructed during campaigning by the commission.

Rucsu Chief Election Commissioner Prof F Nazrul Islam said the decision was made to maintain fairness, noting that not all candidates could afford such expenses.

“We want to ensure equal opportunities for all. Our teams are visiting halls regularly to prevent irregularities and intimidation,” he said.

Nur Uddin Abir, VP candidate from the Chhatra Dal-backed “Ekushey Notun Projonmo Panel”, accused Shibir-backed candidates of violating the polls code by distributing food and gifts in different halls.

According to a notice signed by RU Proctor Prof Mahbubur Rahman, only vehicles bearing university stickers will be allowed on campus, while all motorcycles will be completely restricted.

Media personnel with passes issued by the Rucsu Election Commission will be allowed entry.

Students with disabilities will be exempt from the vehicle restriction. Teachers, officers, and staff living in the western residential area will enter through the Shahid Sakib Anjum (Kajla) gate and exit via the Paris Road main gate.

Prof Mahbubur said strict security measures have been taken for election day. “All temporary shops near polling centres will remain closed. Two thousand police personnel, six platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and 12 platoons of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) will be deployed,” he said.

“We have also coordinated with the army. However, we hope their deployment won’t be necessary,” he added.