A controversy has erupted at Jahangirnagar University after Islami Chhatra Shibir’s campus unit president and former student Muhibur Rahman Muhib was seen inside the JAKSU election commission office on the eve of the polls. The incident occurred around midnight on Wednesday at the university’s Senate Building. A video circulating on Facebook shows him sitting alone in the office.

Students reacted sharply online, while Shah Md. Faisal, joint convener of JU Chhatra Dal, termed the presence of an “outsider” inside the office as a “malicious act.”

Muhib claimed he went to the office to discuss demands regarding observer cards. Election commissioner Professor Mohammad Mafruhi Sattar confirmed that Muhib visited with three demands before leaving.

Earlier, the university administration had issued a notice prohibiting former students and outsiders from staying on campus between 10–12 September. Muhib’s presence was therefore considered a violation of the directive.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections, held on Tuesday (September 9) from 8 am to 4 pm, saw allegations of irregularities despite largely peaceful polling.

At an emergency press conference at Madhur Canteen, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD)-backed vice president candidate Abidul Islam Khan said the election did not meet expectations. He alleged that pre-filled ballots were found in at least two centers, and that Jamaat-e-Islami activists were seen roaming the campus.

Abidul further claimed that 12 written complaints had been submitted to the university administration, accusing even some returning officers of being involved in propaganda. Warning against manipulation, he said general students would resist if attempts were made to rig the vote.

Meanwhile, VP candidate Tahmina Akter from the Bishwo Insaniyat Biplob Student Front announced a boycott during the final hours of polling.

This year’s DUCSU election involved 39,874 voters, with 471 candidates contesting 28 central positions and 1,035 candidates competing for 234 hall-level posts across 18 halls. At least 10 panels and several independents took part.

Candidates of the United Students’ Alliance have alleged widespread violations of electoral rules during the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections. They claimed that the Chhatra Dal is campaigning within 100 meters of polling centers, while the administration remains silent.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday morning, GS candidate SM Farhad said polling agents, journalists, and human rights observers were barred from entering the University Laboratory School center. He accused the administration of inaction despite repeated complaints.

VP candidate Abu Sadiq Kayem echoed the allegations, urging authorities to prevent outsiders from entering and to ensure overall security.

Meanwhile, at the TSC center, long queues of students were seen since morning. Only ID cardholders were allowed entry, while mobile phones and bags were banned inside polling centers. Candidate representatives distributed leaflets and handbills at the entrances.