A lecturer of Jahangirnagar University (JU) died this morning while performing election duty during the ongoing Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (Jucsu) polls.

The deceased was identified as Jannatul Ferdous, a lecturer in the university’s Fine Arts Department. She fell ill during the vote counting process at Pritilata Hall and died on the way to Enam Medical College Hospital.

Associate Professor Shamim Reza, chairman of the Fine Arts Department, said, “She was serving as a polling officer at Pritilata Hall while I was the returning officer there. During the counting in the morning, she suddenly collapsed at the entrance. She was immediately taken to hospital but passed away on the way.”

JU Proctor and Election Commission member-secretary Professor Dr. A K M Rashidul Alam explained that due to fatigue and the absence of polling agents, vote counting at some halls was postponed to the morning. “She came with her colleagues to the Senate Hall gate for counting but suddenly collapsed. Despite being rushed to hospital, she had already breathed her last,” he said.

The sudden death of Jannatul Ferdous has cast a pall of gloom across the campus. Teachers, students, and colleagues expressed profound shock and extended heartfelt condolences to her bereaved family.

MN/