Chhatra Dal, Shibir accuse each other of breaching election code

In the lead-up to the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU), hall council, and senate student representative elections, the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed panels have exchanged accusations over violations of the code of conduct.

On Tuesday, the Chhatra Dal-supported "Oikyaboddho Notun Projonmo" panel filed a formal complaint with Chief Election Commissioner Prof F Nazrul Islam.

Later in the day, the Shibir-backed "Sammilito Shikkharthi Jote" panel also submitted a separate complaint to the election commissioner.

The Sammilito Shikkharthi Jote alleged that Chhatra Dal-backed candidates violated the election code by campaigning in classrooms, giving Tk 5,000 to Arabic department students of the 2024-25 Academic Session, campaigning beyond the prescribed hours, and involving non-voters in the campaign.

Fahim Reza, the general secretary candidate from the Sammilito Shikkharthi panel, said: "In the past, Chhatra Dal has violated the code in different ways, but we did not file written complaints. We want the RUCSU election to be participatory and ensure equal opportunities for everyone. That's why we have informed the commission today."

In response, the Chhatra Dal-backed panel dismissed the allegations as "baseless and absurd", and countered by accusing the Shibir-backed panel of distributing food and gifts to voters in different halls and departments, which they said is a breach of the election code.

Sheikh Nur Uddin Abir, the vice-president candidate from the Oikyaboddho Notun Projonmo, called the accusations "ridiculous".

"We don't even know what they are talking about. They are making up false allegations to discredit Chhatra Dal," he said.

Prof Nazrul said, "We have not received any written complaints before today. They have raised several points, and after discussing with the other members of the commission, we will take necessary action."

According to the revised timeline, campaigning will end by midnight on Oct 14. Voting will take place on Oct 16 from 9am to 4 pm across 17 centres in nine buildings, with results to be announced at the Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium.

>>Agency