As the Vice President candidate from Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Shomonnito Shikkharti Jote panel, how is the response to your election campaign?
Arif Ullah: Our candidates, both individually and as a panel, are reaching out to students directly. We are receiving unprecedented support, particularly from female students. Since the post-uprising period, student politics at the university has witnessed significant change. Students now wish to evaluate organisations not on the basis of partisan influence but through constructive and student-friendly initiatives.
Chhatra Shibir has been accused of involvement in the killing of the much-discussed student leader Kabir of the Chhatra Dal at Jahangirnagar University. Will this have a negative impact on the election?
Arif Ullah: We have attempted to clarify the matter in recent discussions. It is an issue already resolved in court and all those named in connection with it were acquitted by the High Court. Nevertheless, the Chhatra Dal is attempting to exploit the matter again as a political tool.
After nearly three decades, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has regained the opportunity to engage openly in campus politics. How do you feel general students have responded to your presence?
Arif Ullah: Although three decades have passed, the real crisis period was during the last 16 years of Awami League’s misrule. Through prolonged propaganda and misinformation, they sought to portray Chhatra Shibir negatively. We believe our active presence on campus has generated interest and enthusiasm among students.
What measures are you taking to secure voter support in the JUCSU election?
Arif Ullah: We are visiting the halls to speak directly with students, distributing leaflets, and arranging open discussions. Students are gaining confidence in us by reading our manifesto and observing our activities. We are not merely making promises; we are also creating an environment where students feel free to share their concerns with us.
Prothom Alo :
Thank you.
Arif Ullah: Thank you as well.