Students threaten shutdown over Sucsu verdict

Students of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (Sust) yesterday warned of a complete shutdown of the campus if the Supreme Court verdict goes against their demand for immediate central students’ union elections.

The warning came at a press briefing held in front of the Library Building in the afternoon, where agitated students announced that 28 departments would boycott classes and examinations starting today.

The Sust Central Students’ Union (Sucsu) and hall union polls were scheduled for Tuesday. However, the High Court on Monday stayed the elections for four weeks, triggering protests across the campus.

Foysol Hossain, a general secretary candidate, said, “As there are laws not to hold any elections within 21 days of the national polls, we understand the issue. However, we urge the Supreme Court to consider the fact that the schedule for the SUCsu polls was declared before the schedule for the national polls was announced.”

Delwar Hossain Shishir, a vice-president candidate, alleged political interference. “A party influenced two candidates and a voter to file a writ petition that stopped the polling and snatched the voting rights of nine thousand voters,” he said.

“Now we demand that the Supreme Court consider our heartiest demand and pass a verdict in favour of us. Otherwise, we will call for a complete shutdown of the campus,” he added.

Following the High Court order, the university authorities appealed to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, seeking an urgent hearing. However, the Supreme Court on Tuesday deferred the matter and directed that it be heard as a regular case.