Shibir-Backed Panels Sweep Student Union Elections at Major Bangladeshi Universities

Candidates backed by Islami Chhatra Shibir have won most key positions, including top leadership posts, in student union elections at Jagannath University, following similar victories at Dhaka, Jahangirnagar, Rajshahi and Chattogram universities.

Analysts say the sustained absence of democratic political practice at public universities has been a major factor behind the success of Shibir-supported panels.

For years, campus structures have been dominated by party-affiliated student organisations, exposing general students to intimidation and harassment, according to observers. This has gradually fostered resentment toward panels openly backed by established political parties.

In contrast, Islami Chhatra Shibir has largely operated through indirect or low-profile political engagement on campuses, avoiding direct allegations of abuse. Many analysts believe this strategy paid dividends in recent student union elections.

Shibir-Supported Panels Win Across Five Universities

The Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAGSU) election was held for the first time on January 6. Following vote counting, the Shibir-backed panel “Odommo Jobian Oikko” secured victory in 16 of the 21 positions, including vice-president (VP), general secretary (GS), and assistant general secretary (AGS).

According to the university’s election commission, voter turnout stood at 66.18 percent.

Earlier, nearly 14 months after the fall of the Awami League government amid a mass uprising, student union elections were held sequentially at Dhaka University on September 9, followed by Jahangirnagar, Rajshahi and Chattogram universities.

In almost all cases, Shibir-backed candidates won the majority of the top three posts—VP, GS and AGS. Exceptions included the VP post at Jahangirnagar University, the AGS post at Chattogram University, and the GS post at Rajshahi University.

At Jahangirnagar University, the VP position was won by Abdus Rashid Jitu of the Independent Students’ Alliance, a former central coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. At Chattogram University, the AGS post went to Ayubur Rahman from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal panel, while at Rajshahi University, the GS post was won by Salahuddin Ammar from the independent Anti-Hegemony Alliance.

However, during the Rajshahi University election, the Anti-Hegemony Alliance—formed under the leadership of several former coordinators of the July uprising—faced criticism, with opponents alleging it functioned as a “B team” of Shibir.

Impact of the July Uprising

Many analysts believe the July mass uprising played a role in shaping Shibir’s electoral success. Although the movement involved people from diverse backgrounds, Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Shibir were able to claim much of the political momentum following the fall of the Awami League government.

Despite allegations against some figures associated with the movement, Jamaat-Shibir managed to maintain a largely positive public image, which analysts say influenced voting behaviour in student elections.

Observers also point to past records of nepotism, corruption, and governance failures among traditional student organisations. According to Dhaka University professor Kazi Maruful Islam, students are increasingly prioritising practical, results-oriented politics over ideological commitments.

“Leadership that can demonstrate tangible benefits at the campus level is more likely to attract votes,” he said.

As a result, several candidates contested elections under Shibir-supported panels while publicly claiming no formal organisational affiliation.

Islami Chhatra Shibir President Nurul Islam Saddam attributed the victories to what he described as “new politics” after July. He said the organisation focused on understanding students’ needs and working inclusively.

“We have long been trying to move away from the old, rigid model of campus politics driven by party agendas, as seen in the past,” he said, citing initiatives such as health services, career counselling, entrepreneurship programs, and academic competitions.

Shifting Youth Attitudes

Analysts also note a psychological shift among younger voters. They argue that the global rise of right-wing politics has contributed to growing youth interest in religion-based political movements.

Dhaka University assistant professor Samia Zaman said Shibir has effectively leveraged the current administrative environment to lobby for student welfare, including improved facilities in dormitories and campuses.

“Even if they claim to be non-partisan, they have used this influence to speak for students and push welfare-based demands,” she said.

Analysts further note that a recurring narrative during election campaigns portrayed the Awami League and BNP as having already been tried, suggesting it was now Jamaat’s turn. Observers say Shibir capitalised effectively on this sentiment.

“Young students who are unfamiliar with Shibir’s historical legacy may have placed trust in this narrative,” said Professor Ferdous.