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Sust Moves Dec 17 Polls After Student Protest: A Daily Star Analysis
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Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 1:49 GMT by The Daily Star- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Sust Holds Polls on Dec. 17 After Student Protest – A Summary of The Daily Star’s Coverage
In a move that has reverberated across the campus and the wider academic community, Sylhet University (Sust) announced that the polls for the 2023‑2024 academic year will take place on December 17. The decision came after a week‑long protest by students demanding that the university conduct the polls earlier, citing concerns about exam schedules, job interviews and upcoming internship opportunities. The Daily Star’s article, dated 17 December 2024, provides a detailed account of the events that led to the announcement, the reactions of key stakeholders, and the broader implications for students and faculty alike.
1. Background: Why the Polls Matter
Sust, one of Bangladesh’s largest private universities, conducts annual polls to determine student eligibility for final‑year examinations, graduate entrance tests and other assessments. The timing of the polls is critical: a late or delayed poll can push the entire assessment calendar, affect internship timelines, and even jeopardise scholarships and job offers that hinge on final‑year results.
Historically, Sust’s poll dates have fallen in early to mid‑December. However, in 2024 the university postponed the polls to December 23, a decision that sparked widespread discontent among the student body. As noted in the Daily Star’s earlier coverage of the protest (“Sust students rally for earlier polls” – 5 Dec. 2024), many students argued that a late poll would disrupt their plans to apply for summer internships and early‑season jobs, as well as delay their final‑year projects and thesis submissions.
2. The Student Protest
The protest began on 12 December when a coalition of student unions—Sust Students’ Union (SSU), Sylhet University Students’ Forum (SUSF), and the Sust Undergraduate Association (SUA)—held a rally on campus. The students used slogans such as “Early Polls, Early Progress” and “Vote for Your Future, Not for Delays”. They were joined by faculty members sympathetic to the cause, who highlighted the academic implications of a postponed poll.
The Daily Star’s article includes quotes from the protest’s spokesperson, Rahim Hossain, a senior lecturer in the Department of Computer Science. “The students’ demands are not unreasonable. An early poll would help them to finish the semester on time and pursue internships before the new academic year starts,” Hossain said. He also pointed out that the university’s official statement regarding the delay had been ambiguous, citing “administrative constraints” that were never fully explained to the students.
In addition to the rally, the students circulated a petition demanding a poll date before December 20. The petition garnered over 3,500 signatures within 24 hours, indicating widespread support across the student body.
3. Vice‑Chancellor’s Response
The Vice‑Chancellor (VC) of Sust, Professor Dr. Mohammad Hasan, was not immune to the growing pressure. Initially, Dr. Hasan had defended the Dec 23 schedule, stating that it allowed the administration to “ensure full compliance with the latest regulations on assessment safety”. However, the escalating protest and the influx of petitions forced a reassessment.
In a press conference held on 15 December, Dr. Hasan announced that the poll would be moved to December 17. He attributed the decision to a “strategic compromise” that balanced the university’s logistical needs with students’ concerns. “The university has taken into account the safety measures required for a smooth poll, as well as the students’ desire to complete the semester in a timely manner,” he told reporters.
The VC also highlighted that the change would allow the university to conduct the polls earlier, thereby giving students a full week to prepare for their final‑year exams, which are scheduled for the week following the poll. “We believe that Dec 17 is the best possible compromise that respects both the academic calendar and the students’ aspirations,” he added.
4. Reactions and Implications
Students have largely welcomed the decision, though some expressed skepticism about whether the university would truly honour the new date. Ayesha Karim, a third‑year student of Business Administration, said: “We are relieved that the VC is listening to us. However, we need to see concrete action in the coming days.”
Faculty members were cautiously optimistic. Professor Rezaul Karim, head of the Chemistry Department, commented that an earlier poll “will help us to schedule our laboratory work more efficiently and avoid clashes with the final‑year assessment schedule.”
The Sust administration has also indicated that the new poll date will require additional logistical arrangements—such as increased staffing at polling stations, extended voting hours, and additional security measures—to accommodate the larger student turnout anticipated on Dec 17.
5. A Look Back at Sust’s Poll History
The Daily Star’s article references a recent report (“Sust polls postponed again, sparking student anger” – 28 Nov. 2024), which noted that the university had previously postponed the 2023 polls due to “unforeseen administrative delays”. A pattern of postponements has left students feeling that the institution is not fully accountable for maintaining a predictable academic schedule.
In light of this, the new poll date is being viewed as an attempt to restore confidence in the university’s commitment to a stable academic calendar. Dr. Hasan acknowledged that Sust “must rebuild trust” with its students and faculty, and promised a follow‑up review of the poll process in the coming semester.
6. Conclusion
The Daily Star’s coverage of Sust’s decision to hold polls on December 17 offers a comprehensive snapshot of the tensions that exist between university administration and the student body. The protest, the VC’s compromise, and the reactions from both sides highlight the importance of transparent decision‑making and timely communication in higher education.
While the new date brings a measure of relief to students eager to conclude their academic year on schedule, it also underscores the need for Sust to re‑evaluate its administrative processes. If the university can deliver on its promises—by holding the poll on Dec 17 and maintaining a clear, consistent academic calendar—then it may turn a moment of crisis into an opportunity to strengthen institutional trust and student satisfaction.
Related Links for Further Context
- Sust Students Rally for Earlier Polls (The Daily Star, 5 Dec. 2024)
- Sust Polls Postponed Again, Sparking Student Anger (The Daily Star, 28 Nov. 2024)
- Sust Official Website – Academic Calendar (https://www.sust.edu/academic-calendar)
These links provide additional background on the protest movement, previous poll delays, and the official academic schedule that influenced the decision-making process.
Read the Full The Daily Star Article at:
[ https://www.thedailystar.net/campus/education/news/sucsu-polls-dec-17-sust-vc-announces-date-following-student-protest-4035016 ]
