Jahangirnagar University Teachers' Association holds elections
Mohammad Sohel Rana, a professor from the Department of Pharmacy, was elected unopposed as the president of the Jahangirnagar University Teachers' Association (JUTA) for 2025. Meanwhile, Ireen Akhter, professor of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), was elected as the General Secretary.
The voting took place at the University Club from 9:00am to 1:30pm, with 445 out of 591 eligible members casting their votes. Chief Election Commissioner Aniruddha Kahaly announced the results at 2:30pm.
An analysis of the election results revealed that eight BNP-backed teachers and six Awami League-backed teachers were elected unopposed. Out of the 15 posts, only the General Secretary position was contested, with three candidates vying for the role.
Among the BNP-backed candidates, Mohammad Sohel Rana was elected as president; Masum Shahriar as treasurer; Mohammad Raihan Sharif as joint general secretary; and Abu Sayef Md Muntaquimul Bari Chowdhuri, Aminur Rahman Khan, Nahid Akhtar, Borhan Uddin, and Mohammad Safiqul Islam as executive members.
The Awami League-backed candidates include Md Emran Jahan, who was elected as vice-president; Ireen Akhter, elected as general secretary, along with Kh Lutful Elahi, Ameena Islam, M Mahbubur Rahman, Mohammad Amzad Hossain, and Md Abdus Sabur as executive members.
Kh Lutful Elahi, member secretary of the pro-Awami League Muktijuddher Adorsher Shikkhok Parishad, said, "In the previous election, we participated as part of the Shikkhok Oikko Parishad. This time, due to the lack of competition, a mutual understanding was reached among our former panel members. Our organisation has been renamed to reflect its commitment to non-partisan politics."
Mafruhi Sattar, convener of the Shikkhok Oikko Parishad, which is made up of both Awami League and BNP aligned teachers, said, "We have consistently worked under the banner of the Shikkhok Oikko Parishad, including during the July-August movements. We remained united in this election."
When asked about the overall election scenario, Associate Election Commissioner Mohammad Nazmul Islam said, "This year, only the General Secretary position was contested. Voter turnout was satisfactory, and the voting process was completed efficiently."
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