United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice-President Sadik Kayem on Tuesday said the Election Commission (EC) has shown a positive stance regarding the student council elections of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) and Begum Rokeya University. Shadik Kayem disclosed the change in the Commission’s position while talking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. The development comes a day after the Commission issued a directive suspending all organisational elections ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12, 2026. Speaking to reporters, Shadik Kayem said the Election Commission assured them that it would take appropriate measures to ensure the student council elections are held in due time. "The Election Commission has assured us that they will take appropriate measures,” he said. Referring to the EC’s directive issued on Monday to suspend all organisational elections until February 12, he said they had already held talks with university authorities and the government. Shadik Kayem pointed out that the SUST student council election is scheduled for January 20, while the national parliamentary election will be held on February 12. “Stopping a student council election three weeks earlier on security grounds cannot be a logical decision. Student community will not accept such an undemocratic decision,” he said. The Begum Rokeya University student council election is scheduled to be held on January 21. Earlier on Monday, the Election Commission directed authorities not to allow elections of any organisation or association, including professional bodies, before the 13th parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12 next. Protest erupts at SUST over EC's low bar, puts holds any elections ahead of national polls The directive, issued through a letter sent to returning officers, stated that the restriction would apply to elections of professional organisations, educational institutions, transport owners’ and workers’ associations, journalists’ associations, traders’ bodies, cooperative societies, trade unions and all other organisations. The Commission said the decision was taken to keep the parliamentary election and referendum process completely free from any form of influence.