The Department of Political Studies at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has launched an election lab, first of its kind in the country, dedicated exclusively to election-based research. The lab aims to conduct systematic and empirical studies on elections, voting behavior, and electoral processes.
The inauguration ceremony was held on Thursday at the university’s Social Sciences Building. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr AM Sarwaruddin Chowdhury formally opened the laboratory.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor said the election lab will enable faculty members and students to collect and analyze electoral data, strengthening research activities in the field. He expressed the hope that the lab would also contribute to improving the quality and credibility of future elections in the country.
Professor Dr Ashraful Rahman, Head of the Department of Political Studies, presided over the programme. He described the establishment of the lab as a groundbreaking initiative for the department, adding that it would enhance students’ research and analytical skills.
Director of the Election Lab, Professor Dr Md Sahabul Haque, said that the primary goal of the lab is to present reliable research findings through scientific analysis of election-related data and to enrich democratic practices.
Treasurer Professor Dr Md Ismail Hossain attended the event as a special guest. Welcome remarks were delivered by Additional Director Professor Dr Zayeda Sharmin and Professor Dr Md Nazrul Islam. Faculty members and students of the department were also present.
The decision to establish the Election Lab was taken at a departmental meeting on February 1. Prior to its formation, faculty and students conducted surveys in various constituencies, analyzed candidates’ affidavits, evaluated constituency-based results, and carried out research on voting systems. The lab has been set up to bring these initiatives under a coordinated academic framework. Development and civic organization Impact Initiative has extended its support to the initiative.
Following the inauguration, a seminar titled “Analysis of the 13th National Parliamentary Election Results” was held, where faculty members and students discussed election outcomes, voting trends, political significance, and overall impact.