Allegations of ballot irregularities have emerged during the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) election, after reports surfaced that votes were cast without the presiding officer’s signature on several ballot papers at the university’s IT Building polling centre.

Members of the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Islami Chhatra Shibir raised similar complaints, claiming that unsigned ballot papers were found in Room 214 of the centre.

Ibrahim Roni, vice-president candidate from the Shibir-backed panel, told BanglaNews24, “Our polling agents informed us that 15 to 20 ballot papers were cast into the box without the presiding officer’s signature. That violates election protocol. Ballots without signatures should not be accepted.”

He added, “When we raised the issue, election officials said the Election Commission would later open the box in front of agents and decide on the matter. But if this is called a mistake, who will guarantee it hasn't happened in other booths?”

Responding to the allegations, Assistant Presiding Officer Professor Dr. Hasan Khaled Rouf, who was overseeing Room 214, acknowledged that 12 ballot papers were submitted without signatures. He attributed the error to inexperienced polling agents.

“They are conducting an election for the first time. Some of them have never even voted before. That’s why this happened,” Dr. Rouf explained. “However, the room is under CCTV surveillance, and everything is being conducted transparently. There should be no problem.”

He added that the Election Commission had been informed and would make the final decision regarding the disputed ballots.

SMS/