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Held for the first time since the university’s establishment 21 years ago, the election had 16,649 registered voters for the central union. A total of 190 candidates contested 21 central posts, while 33 candidates vied for 13 hall union posts.

Voting was scheduled to end at 3:00pm but was extended to 3:30pm. Voters already in line were allowed to cast their ballots until 4:00pm.

Voting took place at 178 booths across 39 centres, covering 38 academic departments and one hall.Three LED screens were installed at different locations on and outside the campus to show live updates of the vote-counting process.

University Proctor Prof Muhammad Tazammol Hoque said students were asked to leave the campus to ensure a smooth counting process and that law enforcement agencies were deployed to prevent any untoward incidents.

ALLEGATIONS, COUNTER-ALLEGATIONS

Several panels alleged irregularities during voting.

At a press conference around 10:30am, the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD)-backed “Oikyoboddho Nirbhik Jobian” panel alleged that a certain panel was initially allowed to enter booths with tokens containing ballot numbers, while they were denied the same facility at first.

Their VP candidate, AKM Rakib, said the practice was later allowed for all panels after evidence was presented, though discrimination occurred initially.

About 15 minutes later, Chhatra Shibir-backed “Odommo Jobian Oikya” panel’s VP candidate Riazul Islam alleged that JCD activists created disorder at the main gate after voting began and obstructed the distribution of voter slips.

He also claimed voters were influenced at several centres.

At around 11:00am, the Chhatra Shakti-backed “Oikyoboddho Jobian” panel also alleged irregularities.

Its GS candidate Md Faisal Murad claimed two internal groups within the administration and election commission were favouring specific panels, raising concerns over the election’s credibility.

VP candidate Kishwar Anjum Samyo alleged displays of muscle power, obstruction of polling agents from entering centres, and violations of the election code of conduct.

STATEMENTS FROM TEACHERS’ ORGANISATIONS

The Teachers’ Association and the University Teachers Link (UTL) held separate press briefings.

At the UTL briefing, Prof Mohammad Bilal Hossain of History department said voter slips containing ballot numbers and candidates’ names were not prepared according to election guidelines.

He also questioned the source of students’ ID information.

Teachers’ Association President Prof Rais Uddin said whoever wins in the election, the outcome would be accepted by teachers, officers, and staff.

“Despite allegations and counter-allegations, the association views everyone equally,” he said.

Based on observations at 11–12 centres, the association estimated an average voter turnout of around 60 percent

Meanwhile, allegations emerged that the wife of Shibir-backed VP candidate Riazul Islam, Mahima Akter, was harassed and handed over to police by JCD activists.

Mahima alleged that while outside the university, she was harassed and asked to remove her hijab and mask.

Riazul said his wife, a Law Department student, was assisting their panel when a mob was created by JCD activists.

However, JnU unit of JCD Member Secretary Shamsul Arefin said a few women attempted to enter the campus claiming to be election commission members. As their identities could not be verified, police detained them.

He said they were unaware if one of them was the wife of a Shibir-backed VP candidate.