Female voters, in particular, were seen displaying heightened enthusiasm and excitement. Although students had earlier expressed frustration over the repeated postponements of the polls, that disappointment appeared to have given way to a festive mood on election day.
Tanjila Akhtar, a resident student who cast her vote at the polling centre in Nawab Faizunnesa Chowdhurani Hall, said this was the first vote of her life. “I am very happy to be able to vote. The voting process is going smoothly, and I hope a fair and impartial election will ensure the victory of qualified candidates,” she said.
Another voter, Amena Khatun, described the election as a historic moment for the university. “This is the first election in the history of Jagannath University. I had thought JOCSU might never be held again. Finally, the long-awaited election is taking place, and I am happy to witness this moment,” she said.
Dr Bushra Zaman, head of the polling centre at Nawab Faizunnesa Chowdhurani Hall, said the voter turnout was satisfactory. “The participation of students is quite good, and we hope to conduct a fair and impartial election,” she added.
According to university authorities, around 16,500 students are eligible to vote at 178 booths across 39 centres. In addition, 1,242 students will cast their votes in the Hall Parliament elections. Students present in queues at polling centres by 3:30 pm will be allowed to vote.
The Election Commission has published a preliminary list of 57 candidates contesting various JOCSU posts, including Liberation War and Democracy, Education and Research, Science and Technology, Health and Environment, Law and Human Rights, International Affairs, Literature and Culture, Sports, Transport, Social Service and Student Welfare, Library and Seminar, and general member positions. A separate preliminary list of eight candidates has also been announced for 13 Hall Parliament posts, including vice-president, general secretary, assistant general secretary, and other key positions.
Law enforcement agencies have tightened security across the campus during the elections. Members of the police are guarding key points, including polling centres, while special security measures have been in place at entrance gates since the night to prevent unauthorized entry. Volunteers from BNCC, Rover Scouts and the Red Crescent Society are also assisting in maintaining order. University officials, staff, students and accredited media personnel are being allowed entry upon showing special identity cards.
The JOCSU elections were originally scheduled for December 30 but were postponed following the death of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia. After protests by students, the university authorities rescheduled the elections for January 6.
