Pabna, Apr 20 (V7N)- In a significant development after nearly two decades, the student wing of a major opposition party, Chhatra Dal, held elections at Pabna Government Edward College on Sunday. The polls saw Rakibul Islam Rakib elected as the new president and Imrul Kayes Kabya taking the post of general secretary, according to an announcement made by the central leadership of Chhatra Dal.

The announcement of the results, which followed direct voting by the students and a subsequent count, was made at 6 p.m. local time by Nasir Uddin Nasir, the General Secretary of the central Chhatra Dal.

Several other key positions in the student organization's college branch were also filled. Shariful Islam was elected senior vice-president, Sanwar Hossain as vice-president, Mahfuzur Rahman Shraban as senior joint general secretary, and Bayezid Islam Rimon as the organizing secretary.

Earlier in the day, a large number of students participated in the voting process, which took place between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at five polling stations set up on the college grounds.

The conference was inaugurated by Nasir Uddin Nasir, who attended as the chief guest. Touhidur Rahman Awal, the Vice President of the central Chhatra Dal, was the keynote speaker at the event. Aminul Islam, the president of the Pabna District Chhatra Dal, presided over the rally, while Kamruzzaman Prince, the district unit's general secretary, served as the moderator.

Sultan Ahmed Rahi, the Chief Election Commissioner for the college branch election and a convener from Rajshahi University Chhatra Dal, stated that over 2,000 voter registration forms were distributed, with 2,002 individuals included in the final voter list. He also noted that four candidates vied for the presidency and nine for the general secretary position.

Nasir Uddin Nasir of the central Chhatra Dal criticized the current electoral system in Bangladesh, stating that it had been "destroyed" over the past 15 years. He expressed hope that these student elections would contribute to reinstating democratic practices and foster young leaders who would work towards a more equitable society.

The newly elected president, Rakibul Islam Rakib, pledged to prioritize the opinions of all students and work towards creating a campus environment that is "more beautiful, orderly, drug-free and terror-free," aiming for a student-friendly and safe space. He expressed his commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him by the students.

END/SRP/RH/