After more than three decades, Jahangirnagar University (JU) is set to hold elections to its long-dormant central students’ union and hall unions today, with authorities enforcing strict security measures across the Savar campus.

The elections, returning after a 33-year hiatus since 1992, will see 11,919 registered students cast their votes for 25 posts of the JU Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) and 15 posts each in 21 hall unions.

Voting will run from 9am to 4pm in 224 booths, using Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) ballots.

Chief Election Commissioner Professor Md Moniruzzaman said all logistical and security arrangements had been finalized, adding that results would be announced later at night in the presence of polling agents.

A total of 179 candidates are in the race for 25 JUCSU positions, including nine for vice-president, nine for general secretary, and 16 for assistant general secretary.

Eight panels backed by different student organizations, along with several independent candidates—including national footballer Mahmudul Hasan Kiron (contesting for sports secretary)—are vying for posts.

Among the VP contenders are Sheikh Sadi of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), Arifuzzaman Uzzal of Shikkharthi Oiyka Forum, Arifullah Adeeb of Samonnito Shikkharthi Jote, and Abdur Rasid Jitu of Sotontro Shikkharthi Jote. However, left-leaning panel Sampritir Oikya will contest without a VP candidate after the authorities invalidated Amartya Ray John’s candidacy, citing expired studentship—a decision upheld by the Supreme Court despite a brief High Court reinstatement.

The dispute over Amartya’s exclusion sparked overnight protests, with left-leaning students confining the vice-chancellor and election commissioners inside the Senate Hall until dawn Wednesday. Protesters alleged the administration misled the court and claimed ballot papers were not yet printed despite the university’s arguments.

For the hall union polls, 315 positions are up for grabs. Of these, 102 candidates will be elected unopposed, while 63 posts have no contenders, leaving 150 seats in active competition.

To maintain law and order, authorities have deployed 1,500 police personnel, seven platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and five platoons of Ansar on campus, with the army kept on standby outside as a “striking force.” Entry to the campus has been restricted since evening, with checkpoints, mobile patrols, and CCTV surveillance in place.

JU Vice-Chancellor Professor Kamrul Ahsan said the administration was committed to holding the elections in a “festive and peaceful” atmosphere, despite allegations of voter list flaws, cyber harassment of female candidates, and last-minute controversies.

The newly elected JUCSU leadership will join the university’s 93-member Senate, restoring student representation in governance after 33 years.