The Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (Jucsu), revived after more than three decades, is facing internal divisions and growing criticism over procedural disputes and allegations of politicisation.
The long-awaited Jucsu election, held on September 11, 2025—the first since 1992—initially generated widespread enthusiasm. However, it was also marked by allegations of irregularities, boycotts, and administrative shortcomings.
Abdur Rashid Jitu, elected as Vice President (VP) from an independent panel, and Mazharul Islam, elected as General Secretary (GS) from a Chhatra Shibir-backed panel, assumed office with expectations of restoring student representation and accountability.
Those expectations have since been challenged by increasing political divergence between the two leaders. The divide widened in February when Jitu joined the BNP, while Mazharul Islam took on the role of General Secretary of the university unit of Chhatra Shibir.
Seminar sparks dispute
The latest controversy centers on a Jucsu-organised seminar scheduled for April 9 titled “Politics of Rejecting Referendum and Repealing Ordinances: Entry into Parliamentary Autocracy and the Nation in Crisis.”
Organisers said the event was expected to feature several political and academic figures, including Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad and Professor Dilara Chowdhury, among others.
However, shortly after the announcement, VP Jitu objected, alleging that no formal meeting had been held, members’ opinions were not taken, and neither he nor the Jucsu president—the Vice Chancellor—had been officially informed.
Amid the dispute, Jucsu announced the temporary suspension of the seminar.
GS Mazharul Islam, however, maintained that the VP had been informed prior to the decision. Social Welfare Secretary Ahsan Labib also rejected the VP’s claims, stating that Jitu had been contacted early but indicated he would be unavailable.
The conflicting accounts have raised questions among students about whether Jucsu decisions are being made through constitutional procedures or informal consensus.
Disputes over statements and authority
The seminar dispute follows earlier disagreements over a Jucsu statement on post-election violence, which also exposed differences between the VP and GS.
Jitu argued that issuing statements without proper verification compromises neutrality and risks promoting political agendas. Mazharul Islam countered that the statement was based on media reports and complaints from representatives.
Some Jucsu members and hall representatives have alleged that official statements and activities have been carried out without adequate internal consultation.
Students from various organisations say these incidents reflect a broader concern that the Jucsu platform is increasingly being used for competing political narratives rather than serving as a neutral representative body.
Allegations of misconduct
Beyond leadership disputes, Jucsu has also faced criticism over alleged behavior of some members on the campus.
Several students have accused certain representatives of acting in an authoritative manner, including questioning individuals about their presence on the campus. These allegations could not be independently verified.
In a recent incident, a student, Sukanta Barman, accused Jucsu executive member Mohammad Ali Chishti of issuing threats over a “Haha” reaction on Facebook.
Barman alleged that he was threatened with formal complaints through the Jucsu platform for expressing political views online. Chishti denied wrongdoing, stating that he questioned the student after repeated reactions to his posts, which he viewed as politically provocative.
Students demand accountability
In response to the ongoing controversies, a group of students submitted a memorandum to the university administration, alleging that Jucsu is being used for partisan interests.
Their demands include ending the use of Jucsu’s name and platform for political activities, investigating past incidents, and ensuring transparency and accountability.
They said the issue reflects a broader crisis of confidence in the student body.
Administration response
Vice Chancellor and Jucsu President Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan acknowledged the lack of communication regarding the seminar.
“I was not informed about the seminar and came to know about it through social media,” he said, adding that such matters should be resolved through internal discussion within Jucsu.