Democracy International and the Dhaka University Debating Society organized a discussion session titled 'DUCSU Dialogue: Reform and Election.'

In the discussion, speakers talked about the significance of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU), and its election and constitutional reforms.

The discussion session was held on Sunday at the Senate building of Dhaka University.

Former DUCSU GS and President of Nagarik Oikya, Mahmudur Rahman Manna, said, "DUCSU has given me much honor, but the administration has humiliated me in ways it can. Even though I was the GS twice, my name is not on the board. A decision was made by the syndicate to cancel all my degrees."

He said, "I was surprised by the proposal to reduce the VC’s power in the constitutional reform. Because during our time, the VC never interfered in any decision."

Regarding taking voting outside the hall, he said, "In 1973, DUCSU elections were held outside the hall, but Sheikh Mujib’s son, Sheikh Kamal, hijacked the votes from the rooftop of the Arts building. The administration at that time played a shameless role."

He further said, "Expose those involved in villainy. If you save Dhaka University, you will save Bangladesh. If you ignite the flame of consciousness and provide proper guidelines, everyone will follow."

Emphasizing the irreplaceability of DUCSU, Dhaka University’s Treasurer, Professor M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, said, "We want a free and fair DUCSU election. Along with the country, there should be a fundamental change in student politics. We should never return to the old state. The days of the Guestroom-Gonoroom should not come back. For that, DUCSU will play a role. We want regular DUCSU elections. Any constitutional reforms needed for the election should be based on everyone’s opinions."

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President of the Dhaka University Journalist's Association, Mohiuddin Mujahid Mahi, said, "The current scenario of DUCSU is that students want the DUCSU election, but organizations are thinking about who will win or not, and the teachers are wondering what will happen. Everyone should come together. Student organizations must unite and demand DUCSU."

He mentioned the upcoming elections and said, "Those involved in the election process must be ensured safety. The election rules should be made clear in advance. Ultimately, everyone should come to a consensus."

Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Tahmid Al Mudassir, said, "During the July movement, one of the demands was the student union election. But the administration has not yet presented a roadmap. Their statement is that they are working, but they don’t know when the election will happen. Jahangirnagar University has given a roadmap, but our university administration is taking it negatively."

He added, "We all want the DUCSU election. All organizations are proposing reforms. When we talk about DUCSU elections, the parties make it an opposition."

President of Dhaka University’s Chhatra Shibir, S.M. Forhad, said, "Necessary reforms should be made and the student union election should be held quickly because, for so long, we have seen that students have been used to benefit superior political parties. This has now changed. But this may not last long. If the students are again used to benefit superior organizations, and if the common room and guest room are brought back, the administration will be responsible."

General Secretary of Dhaka University’s Chhatra Dal, Nahiduzzaman Shipon, said, "We want a student union election that ensures the representation of students. For that reason, we have proposed reforms to the constitution. The current constitution does not reflect students' aspirations and consciousness. We want the election to be conducted in a fair and democratic environment with the necessary reforms, exemplary actions against those involved in the July-August killings, and proper punishments."

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He added, "Many say Chhatra Dal does not want the election. Those who want to hold the election without clearing the previous issues, taking advantage of the current situation, are the ones saying this."

Professor Dr. S. M. Shameem Reza  from the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, said, "The DUCSU should be included in the Dhaka University calendar. It should be taken as an academic event. It should be included as an all-year activity. No matter what, the student union election should be held on time according to the calendar. For this, the university authority, student organizations, and students must demonstrate autonomy. Regardless of national politics, the DUCSU election should be held on time."

Additionally, participants in the discussion included the President of Dhaka University’s Provost Standing Committee, Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun, President of Dhaka University Debating Society, Arpita Golder, President of Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, Bin Yamin Mollah, Dhaka University Scouts President Mehedi Hasan, and General Secretary of the Student Union, Moin Ahmed, among others.