A safe campus for everyone

Sajjad Hossain Hridoy, vice president (VP) candidate from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal panel in the upcoming Chittagong University Central Students' Union (Cucsu) election, has pledged to make the campus more student-friendly and safe.

In an interview with The Daily Star, he said, "After 35 long years, the election is finally being held. Our demand is that it be included in the academic calendar and held at a fixed time every year."

Sajjad, a Philosophy student from the 2015–16 session, stressed that university authorities must remain accountable to students.

"There are session jams in many departments because teachers conduct classes and exams as they wish. Some also show bias while grading, rewarding loyal students and penalising others. Whether I win or not, I will work to ensure teachers and administrators are held accountable so students can claim their rightful due," he said.

Explaining his decision to contest, Sajjad said, "I have always been uncompromising about students' rights. I was even named a prime accused in a false case filed by the university administration. I also played a leading role in the movement to bring the Fine Arts Faculty back to the main campus. Through Cucsu, I want to represent students more effectively as an elected leader."

Safety is another priority, he said. "It has become a major concern for all. There have been repeated attacks by locals, incidents of stone-throwing at shuttle trains, and secret assaults after August 5. Yet the university administration has failed to identify a single attacker."

Highlighting safety concerns for female students, he added, "During the July uprising, our female students played a leading role. But now many face harassment in various forms. We will ensure the anti-harassment cell becomes active and effective. Above all, our goal is to build a campus where every student feels safe."

Sajjad also promised to address accommodation, healthcare, and transportation issues. He plans to formulate a long-term roadmap for 100 percent residential facilities, expand dormitories in the short term, and provide free housing for underprivileged students.

On research, he said, "Bureaucratic hurdles in research budgeting must be reduced to make funding more accessible, and students should be appointed as research assistants."

About his panel, Sajjad said, "We have a complete and inclusive team. Candidates were selected based on merit and members' opinions. We even have a visually impaired candidate, reflecting our commitment to inclusion."

Regarding his prospects, he said, "After the July uprising, one particular student organisation has been trying to politicise and control the university administration. We've seen what happened in the Ducsu and Jucsu elections -- despite major support, there were allegations of irregularities."

"But I'm not worried," Sajjad added. "Students at CU are politically aware. They know who has stood by them and spoken up for their rights, even at the cost of attacks and false cases."