Multiple allegations of violating the code of conduct have surfaced against candidates and a teacher ahead of the Jagannath University Central Students' Union (JnUcsu) polls. Complaints cite cash donations, food distribution, transport arrangements, and teacher's involvement in campaigns.
Despite a ban by the Election Commission, JCD and Chhatra Odhikar Parishad-backed panel GS candidate Khadijatul Kubra and Literature and Culture Secretary candidate Takrim Ahmed announced Tk 50,000 and Tk 30,000 donations respectively during a campus concert, on behalf of the JCD for a student of the finance department who has been suffering from cancer. Section 17(a) of the code caps campaign spending at Tk 15,000 and prohibits welfare activities.
Section 17(a) of the code caps campaign spending at Tk 15,000 and prohibits welfare activities.
Section 17(b) further says that any proven financial transaction beyond this limit shall result in the cancellation of candidacy.
Speaking on the allegations of code-of-conduct violations, Khadijatul Kubra told The Daily Star, "We acted from a humanitarian perspective. There was no intention of electioneering in our activities. But if our actions are still considered a violation, we leave that judgement to the students."
Regarding the allegation, Takrim told The Daily Star, "I went on stage because I was one of the organisers of the concert. Since I was already there, I announced JCD's donation. It was a charity event, and I was involved purely from a humanitarian standpoint."
Food Distribution Sparks Further Violations
After the university announced a temporary closure due to earthquake panic, authorities arranged buses to help students travel home safely.
JCD and Chhtra Odhikar Parishad-backed 'Oikkobodhdo Nirbhik Jobian' panel's VP candidate, Md Rakib, was seen distributing food to students on university-arranged buses after openly declaring on social media that he would defy rules. JCD and Islami Chhatra Shibir also reportedly rented buses for students, breaching transport-related restrictions.
Abdul Alim Arif, the GS candidate backed by the Shibir-supported panel, said that university administration had arranged buses to help students return home safely, which many could not avail due to a shortage of buses. "In this emergency, we arranged transportation in line with the students' needs. Clearly, any activity conducted outside the campus does not fall under the election code of conduct," he said.
GS candidate of Chhatra Sakti-backed panel, Faisal Murad, told The Daily Star that these actions clearly breach clauses 11(g) and 17(a)(b) of the code.
Teacher Accused of Engaging in Campaigning
Teacher Tarek Bin Atik, Transport Director of JnU and member of the pro-BNP Shada Dal group, has been accused of violating section 6(g) by praising candidates in a Facebook post.
"Thanks to AKM Rakib, Md Ariful Islam, and Md Adnan for taking the initiative to arrange vehicles to ensure students' safe travel home," he wrote.
All three are candidates from the Oikkobodhdo Nirbhik Jobian panel.
When asked, Tarek Bin Atik said, "I simply appreciated them as students, not as candidates. Commenting is not a violation."
Other Candidates Express Frustration
Shamsul Alam Maruf, AGS candidate from the left-backed Maulana Bhashani Brigade panel, said, "Exploiting the university's ongoing crisis to breach electoral rules raises serious questions about the transparency of the election. If strict actions are not taken immediately, the JnUcsu election may turn into a mockery."
AGS candidate Shahin Mia, from the Oikkobodhdo Jobian panel, said, "The JCD-backed panel is breaking rules every day. Doesn't the Election Commission see this?"
Chief Election Commissioner of JnUcsu Mostafa Hasan told The Daily Star, "We have received complaints, and letters have already been issued against those who breached the code. They will receive the letters by tomorrow. Anyone found violating the code will face appropriate action," he said.
Regarding allegations against a teacher, he added, "I have heard about the matter as well. I have personally spoken to him and warned him. If such behaviour is repeated, we will take action."