For about two decades, the central student election at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology has not taken place.
Students are now demanding the holding of elections to ensure rights of students and create a line for valid future leadership.
But relevant quarters feel that to create a conducive atmosphere, a proper organogram, rules and regulations and framework need to be formulated.
The Shahjalal University began operation in 1991 and, in 1992, a student from the department of economics, became the first general secretary though no VP was elected. Later, from 1993 till 1995, elections were held and both general secretary and vice president were placed.
No election was held in 1996 but in 1997, Chhatra Dal won 17 of the 19 posts. After 97, there has not been an election for the last 22 years though students pay a union fee each semester which is Tk 100.
Director of student advisory, Professor Dr. Rashed Talukder, said: “The union fee taken is used to form a separate fund; the money from the fund is used to observe several student events and for student welfare when needed.”
The Shahjala University has 28 departments with ten thousand students but the university authority did not take any initiative to activate the student council.
The old office is in a state of dereliction and most students are not aware of the council.
The first elected general secretary of the university, Harun ur Rashid says: “During our time, we were given all out support by the VC and the elected student body played a significant role in fulfilling demands of students.”
Since we mingled with students, we could talk about their demands but now that culture has waned, which is why a pro student leadership is not developing, he observed.
Chhatra League’s acting president of Shahjalal University, Md. Ruhul Amin said: “If the university organizes the election then we will follow Chhatra League’s central committee instructions and take part in elections.”
Convener of Shomajtantrik Chhatra Front, Prosenjit Rudra, said: “There is some preparation prior to elections which will also involve making database and other work.”
Convener of the cultural alliance of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sohanur Rahman added: “we will soon sit to discuss the issue.”
University VC Farid Uddin Ahmed, said: “We will not face too many hurdles in arranging the election and will discuss the matter soon.”