CHATTOGRAM, Oct 12, 2025 (BSS) – All-out preparations are underway to hold the election of Chattogram University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU), halls and hostel unions on October 15. After a break of 36 years, the campus is buzzing with excitement as students, teachers, and administration gear up activities for the upcoming election. The university administration and the Election Commission have made extensive preparations to ensure the highest level of security and transparency in the election process. The commission aims to showcase this election as a 'model election' by implementing technology-based monitoring, robust security measures, and rigorous oversight. CUCSU Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Prof Dr Monir Uddin shared insights with BSS in an exclusive interview regarding the overall preparations of the election. BSS: Do you feel any insecurity or pressure regarding the CUCSU elections? Professor Dr. Monir Uddin: No, I don't feel any insecurity or pressure. I am actually quite happy. Our students are our biggest support, and they make me feel secure. In my 40 years as a teacher, I have always found that students are our greatest security. Whether as a student, teacher, department president, or hall provost, I have seen that motivated students provide the best security. The same applies to the CUCSU election, our students are our main security. We have not needed to involve law enforcement agencies yet, as our students have been conducting their campaign activities peacefully. We are prepared for the election and we believe our students will not engage in any activities that would require intervention from law enforcement agencies. BSS: How does the election commission coordinate with the university administration during the election process? Professor Dr. Monir Uddin: The university administration has constituted the election commission through a syndicate, with Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin serving as our supervisor. Whenever we encounter challenges or require assistance, we communicate through him to the administration. The university administration prioritizes the CUCSU election and promptly supports us as needed. We receive cooperation and resources without any hindrances, as long as our requests align with university regulations. It is noteworthy that despite the Vice-Chancellor being our sole authority, he has never intervened in our operations since the commission's formation. This autonomy allows us to conduct the election process independently, which is a significant advantage for us. BSS: How would you respond if someone questions the impartiality of the commission? Professor Dr. Monir Uddin: I want to make it clear that the statements of student organizations or parties are not our main concern. What matters to us are the allegations made by of the candidates. If a candidate raises a complaint, they need to provide specific details about the issue. We take these complaints seriously and investigate them thoroughly. All members of the student union election commission have taken an oath before their appointment to prioritize the interests of the university students over their personal beliefs or party affiliations. If any member is found engaging in illegal activities, and a candidate files a formal complaint, we will investigate and take appropriate action. BSS: What measures are on implementation to guarantee transparency and fairness in the election? Professor Dr. Monir Uddin: We are strictly adhering to the guidelines set by the university administration throughout the election process. The voter list has been meticulously prepared in accordance with the university's directives. Nomination submissions and candidate verifications have been conducted following the prescribed rules. We are maintaining a high level of vigilance in all aspects, including voter preparation, law and order, and accountability. On the day of voting, the Dean of each faculty will serve as the Returning Officer in their respective buildings. To enhance student convenience, we have relocated the voting process from the residential halls to the faculty buildings. In response to student requests, we have compiled a voter list with photographs to prevent any possibility of fraudulent voting. The ballot boxes are transparent, ensuring impartiality and eliminating personal biases. We have addressed every issue with utmost clarity to dispel any doubts or concerns. Additionally, each ballot paper will feature a unique security code for verification purposes, distinguishing genuine ballots from counterfeit ones. Any unauthorized paper detected by the OMR machine will be promptly identified. The ballot will display the candidate's name and number, accompanied by a circle for voters to mark their choice. Our multi-layered security system is designed to prevent any breaches or irregularities. We are confident in the robustness of our security measures, but remain prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. BSS: How will you ensure transparency during balloting and counting process?  Professor Dr. Monir Uddin: To ensure transparency, each polling station will have a presiding officer, polling officers, employees, Rover Scout, and BNCC members present. Candidates can appoint polling agents as well. The ballot box will be opened and shown to everyone to confirm it is empty before voting begins. The number of ballots will match the number of voters, with any unused ballots sealed and returned. CCTV cameras will be installed in all areas except the secret polling booths, and a large LED screen will display the voting process for transparency. In case of power outage, recordings will be available as evidence.  BSS: How and where will the vote counting take place?   Professor Dr. Monir Uddin: The vote counting process will take place after the voting is completed. Initially, the ballot boxes will be brought to the presiding officer's room where all relevant parties will be present. Subsequently, the ballot boxes will be transferred to the returning officer's room, located in the dean's office, to begin the vote counting process. The vote counting will be conducted in the rooms of the five deans of the faculty buildings, equipped with scanners and adequate staff. Each ballot will be scanned twice, first by the Dean's Office scanner and then by the University's IT Office scanner. The final results will be announced only when the two scanning results match perfectly. In case of any discrepancies, the ballots will be scanned again until the results align accurately with both scans. BSS: What changes or innovations have been introduced in this year's elections of students’ unions compared to previous ones? Professor Dr. Monir Uddin: This year, we have incorporated ideas from both DUCSU and JACSU elections to improve the election process. We have focused on institutionalizing the election process and enhancing accountability and transparency. Deans, provosts, departmental presidents, and teachers are directly involved in the election process. We have also introduced innovations in the ballot paper design, with candidate names listed along with their ballot numbers. Voters will fill in a circle next to the candidate's name to cast their vote. Additionally, we have ensured transparency in the printing of the ballots by supervising the process ourselves and having the commission oversee it. This entire process is under my direct leadership to maintain integrity and transparency. It is a meticulous process that leaves no room for doubt or questions. BSS: How many areas will have security arrangements for the elections, and what security measures have the Election Commission taken? Professor Dr. Monir Uddin: Maximum security arrangements have been put in place for the elections on and around the campus. There will be strict traffic management along the entire shuttle train and bus routes. Five mobile courts will be stationed outside the campus at Gate No. 1, led by five executive magistrates. The university perimeter will be completely cordoned off. Only individuals with university affiliation, student ID cards, or commission-approved cards will be allowed entry. Election officials, employees, and polling agents will also have access. Only voters and journalists will have access to the campus on polling day. Additionally, there will be three stages of security checks from entering the university to queuing for voting. Various security personnel, including BNCC, Rover Scout, University Security Department, Police, Striking Force, Reserve Force, Fire Service, RAB, and intelligence agencies, will be present for overall security. Requests have been made to the BGB and Army for assistance if needed. Five executive magistrates will be stationed in five buildings on election day, along with law enforcement agencies. Separate security preparations have been made to ensure a safe environment. We trust that our students will act with responsibility to avoid any incidents. BSS: Will there be any special assistance for voters on election day? Professor Dr. Monir Uddin: Yes, we have already conducted three rounds of meetings with voters and candidates. To assist voter transportation, we have increased the shuttle train schedule to match the capacity of the railway line. Additionally, we have arranged for buses to facilitate transportation during the election day. Regular updates on the voting process, including the percentage of votes cast and any issues, will be announced every two hours. Furthermore, we will have an ambulance, medical team, and ample water supply on standby for any emergencies. BSS: Do you have any instructions or messages for the voters? Professor Dr. Monir Uddin: I am delighted with the support and cooperation from the voters, especially the candidates. Their level of support has been remarkable. I encourage voters to come to the polling booths with a positive attitude, vote for their preferred candidate, and choose their representatives. Let's showcase Chattogram University as a model for the nation and the world through a successful election.  Remember this, vote belongs to the students, and it is their right to choose their representatives. Our success lies in students understanding and selecting deserving candidates. We are eagerly waiting for that moment.  

GOPALGANJ, Oct 12, 2025 (BSS) - A minor girl was killed as a passenger bus hit her at Tungipara here in the district this afternoon. The accident occurred around noon in the Nilfa Bazar area on the Gopalganj-Tungipara road. The victim was identified as Sinthia, a class two student of Nilfa Modern Kindergarten. She was the daughter of Miraj Sheikh, a resident of Singipara village under Borni union in the upazila. According to Inspector (Operations) Khandoker Awarengojeb of Tungipara Police Station, the accident happened when Sinthia was crossing the road after school. A Pirojpur-bound passenger bus of Imad Transport, which had departed from Dhaka, struck her. Sinthia was critically injured and rushed to the 250-bed General Hospital in Gopalganj, where the on-duty doctor declared her dead. Her body was later handed over to her family.