United News of Bangladesh

If the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election is organized within June of this year, it will be most peaceful and acceptable—this is the opinion of a large majority of students of the University. In a survey conducted by the "Advisory Committee" formed by the Dhaka University administration to successfully organize the DUCSU and hall union elections, students have expressed this opinion. Dhaka University’s ICT Cell started this survey on March 23. The results of the survey were submitted to the Advisory Committee on April 6. DU students call for DUCSU electionsIn the survey, 1,743 students of the university participated by answering 8 questions through their respective institutional emails. Out of the participants, 1,307 students (74.9%) have given their opinion in favor of organizing the DUCSU election within the next 3 months. Of the rest, 279 students (16%) said that if the DUCSU election is held within the next 6 months, it will be peaceful and acceptable. Another 95 students have given their opinion in favor of holding the DUCSU election within one year.And 62 students think that if the DUCSU election is held after more than one year, it will be peaceful and acceptable. Some 1,266 students who participated in the survey think the DUCSU election is extremely necessary, while just 31 students think it is completely unnecessary. To ensure a peaceful and neutral DUCSU election, 903 students (51.8%) have given their opinion that ensuring strict security measures from the administration is the most important step. Some 309 students (17.5%) have expressed their opinion in favor of making voting and counting fully digital. In response to the question, "Where can polling centers be set up to make the DUCSU election free and fair"—860 students (49.3%) have given their opinion in favor of setting up polling centers in some pre-selected academic buildings (such as Curzon Hall, Social Sciences Building, Arts Building). Some 394 students (22.6%) have given their opinion in favor of setting up polling centers both in halls and academic buildings. Another 305 students (17.5%) are in favor of setting up polling centers in residential halls. As many as 725 students (41.6%) are in favor of allowing anyone to be a candidate who will have at least one year of valid studentship from the day of nomination submission. In addition, students have also mentioned in the survey the need for conditions like having a minimum CGPA for candidacy, setting an age limit, and provisions that candidates should not be accused of certain specific crimes including criminal offenses. For forming a fair and neutral Election Commission, a majority (1,033 students) have suggested that students and teachers jointly determine the commission.  

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." DU Chhatra Shibir demands DUCSU election roadmap announcement by Jan 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." DU students call for DUCSU elections 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.

Biplobi Chhatra Moitri, a leftist student organization, has demanded an amendment to the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) constitution and the immediate holding of election. The organisation urged the university administration for the reform to reduce the powers of the DUCSU president, and hold voting in academic buildings instead of halls, during a student gathering at the Dhaka University’s Raju Memorial Sculpture on Wednesday afternoon.  “Democracy is not achieved by merely changing rulers through national elections every five years. Democratic practices and representative elections must exist in every institution, including educational ones,” said Biplobi Chhatra Moitri President Nuzia Hasin Rasha. Political parties assure Dr Yunus to uphold Bangladesh's sovereignty  “The last DUCSU election in 2019 was also questionable. Without elections in educational institutions, democracy cannot return. Untoward incidents at the university prompt the administration to say, ‘We are talking to your representatives.’ But who are these representatives? Are the coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement truly our representatives, and have we elected them?” she asked. She demanded immediate reforms to the DUCSU constitution and the urgent holding of student union elections in all educational institutions. Additionally, she announced plans to organise a public discussion titled “What is DUCSU and Why Do We Need It?” at Dhaka University.  “Even after significant changes, our aspirations remain unfulfilled. Although the Dhaka University administration has made some adjustments since August 5, no visible action has been taken regarding DUCSU,” said the organisation's General Secretary Sami Abdullah. Nationwide survey on constitutional reform to begin tomorrow  “Issues like accommodation shortages in the halls and departmental problems persist. We demand the DUCSU be democratically reformed to address students' issues and call for immediate elections,” he said.  

A case has been filed against Nurul Haque Nur, former vice-president of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) for allegedly hurting religious sentiment with Shahbagh Police Station on Sunday. Ashraful Islam Shojib, member of Awami League central committee filed the case on Sunday, Officer-in Charge of Shahbagh Police Station Md Mamunur Rashid told UNB. The case was filed under the Digital Security Act (DSA), OC said. Also read: Nur sued over ‘sedition, defamation’ The case statement said Nur has hurt the religious sentiment of Awami League supporters with his outrageous comments during a programme on April 16 in Shahbagh area. No Muslims can support Awami League, Nur said in his speech adding that only some extortionists, cheaters, drug traders, fortune seekers support AL, the statement added. Earlier the ex-DUCSU VP also placed the badge of 'Fake Muslims' against supporters and leaders of Awami League, appearing on a Facebook live recently. Also read: Ducsu VP Nur sued for ‘defamation’ “They (Awami League) are not Muslims — they don’t have any faith.  Please inquire if any of them prays five times daily," Nur said. “No Muslim can support Awami League. Those who support the Awami League are fake Muslims,” he added. “They take bribes, engage in extortion, drug trafficking and tender business and claim themselves as Muslims,” the student leader said.

Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) has remained dormant for around 31 years, despite demands by student organisations and ‘promises of election’ by the authorities concerned.

As we turn the calendar to usher in 2021, teachers and students of Dhaka University share their hopes and demands for the new year with UNB.   

Shariful Islam Shakil, the former vice-president of Dhaka University (DU) Freedom Fighter Ziaur Rahman Hall union, has passed away. He breathed his last at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) on Wednesday, said former hall union general secretary Hasibul Islam Shanto. “Shakil was hospitalised for a long time. He had been suffering from kidney related problems,” he said. Shariful Islam Shakil, a student of the 2013-14 session of Dhaka University, was an executive member of the last committee of Dhaka University Chhatra League. He was elected VP of Freedom Fighter Ziaur Rahman Hall from the BCL panel in the 2019’s DUCSU election.

Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad (BCOP), a national student organisation, has suspended its convener Hasan Al Mamun over the alleged rape of a Dhaka University student.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Tuesday said action will be taken against the former vice president (VP) of Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) Nurul Haque Nur as per the law in a rape case filed against him.

Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, a national student body, on Tuesday demanded the withdrawal of ‘false case’ filed against Dhaka University Central Student Union (Ducsu) former vice president (VP) Nurul Haque Nur and five others.