Ducsu polls
Festive mood sweeps DU campus as Ducsu polls approach
Dhaka University is now abuzz with festivity and anticipation as the much-hyped Ducsu election edges closer.
With the deadline for the nomination submission wrapped up on Wednesday, various panels, including Chhatra Dal Chhatra Dal, the student wing of BNP, and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's student body Chhatra Shibir, are drafting manifestos and setting campaign strategies to woo voters.
Zakaria Ahmed, a student of Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall, expressed excitement, saying, "We are thrilled because Ducsu elections are being held after a long time. The campus has turned festive and we hope this election is conducted fairly so that representatives truly work for students’ welfare."
From Chhatra Dal panel, Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim, who is contesting for the General Secretary post, said their priority is to ensure students’ basic rights and build a student-friendly, research-oriented environment on the campus.
"Our manifesto will reflect the demands raised by students. We want a democratic space where opinions can be freely expressed. But accountability is lacking—those involved in past violence and irregularities have not been brought to justice. Without addressing this culture of impunity, a free Ducsu election will be difficult," he said.
Hamim, however, welcomed the Election Commission’s efforts so far, saying that they expect the administration to deliver a neutral election.
Chhatra Shibir has announced its panel under the banner of 'Oikyoboddho Chhatra Jote' (United Students’ Alliance), fielding activists from diverse backgrounds, including women, indigenous students and July Uprising participants.
Shibir-backed Vice President candidate Md Abu Shadik Kayem, said, "After the July changeover, we must set an example of inclusive democracy at DU. Our panel represents not only our activists but also student leaders from different communities, including the Chakma. We want everyone’s voice heard and we will compel the administration to recognise students’ rights."
Expressing concerns over administrative neutrality, he said the level playing field must be ensured and extending the deadline for nominations without consulting panels shows favouritism. Many provosts and officials represent a certain camp.
He pledged that, if elected, his panel will focus on safety, security and welfare.
Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad announces 27-member panel for Ducsu polls
'Female students' dormitories need urgent reconstitution and renovations. Non-residential students must have access to facilities. Guardians should have waiting lounges, and campus transport must be modernised. Female students are strongly supporting us, and we will not betray their trust," he said.
Responding to complaints, Returning Officer Prof SM Shamim Reza explained that the nomination deadline was extended by a day due to overcrowding at submission centres.
Another Returning Officer Prof Kazi Maruful Islam, said, "No major violations of the code of conduct have been reported so far. Minor incidents are being investigated and strict action will be taken if necessary."
Panels and Key Candidates
From JCD, Abidul Islam Khan is running for Vice President (VP), Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim for General Secretary (GS) and Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed for Assistant General Secretary (AGS).
Chhatra Shibir’s panel has nominated Kayem for VP, SM Farhad for GS and Mohiuddin Khan for AGS.
Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad has announced a panel titled ‘Anti-Discrimination Students’ Union fielding Abdul Kader for VP, Abu Bakar Mojumdar for GS and Ashrefa Khatun for AGS.
Chhatra Dal announces full panel for DUCSU elections
Left-leaning organisations have formed the Democratic Students’ Alliance under the banner of 'Protirodh Parishad' (Council of Resistance). Its VP candidate is Sheikh Tasnim Afroze Emi, former VP of Shamsunnahar Hall Students’ Union in 2019. Meghmallar Basu, president of Dhaka University unit of Bangladesh Chhatra Union, will contest for GS, while Jaber Ahmed Jubel of Revolutionary Students’ Unity will vie for AGS.
Former student leader and anti-discrimination activist Umama Fatema has also submitted nominations with her panel, yet to be formally announced.
She is expected to contest for VP, with journalist leaders Al Sadi Bhuiya (GS) and Mahmudun Mujahid Mahi (AGS) also in the lineup.
Swadhin Bangla Chhatra Sangsad’s panel includes Jamal Uddin Khalid (VP), former NCP leader Mahin Sarkar (GS), and Fatema Sharmin (AGS).
Several independent candidates have also emerged, including Julius Caesar and Shamim Hossain, both running for VP.
Massive Participation
According to the EC, a total of 658 nomination papers were sold for 28 positions, of which 509 were submitted while 149 were not returned.
DUCSU election: Leftist alliance announces full panel ‘Protirodh Porshod’
A draft list of candidates is scheduled to be published today (Thursday). The deadline for withdrawal is August 25 and the final list of candidates will be released on August 26 at 4 pm.
With colourful posters, slogans and promises filling the campus, DU students now await what many see as a landmark election, one that could reshape campus politics and revive the historic role of Ducsu in national democratic life.
3 months ago
Chhatra Shibir announces panel for Ducsu polls
Ahead of the much-hyped Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) election slated for September 9, Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing Chhatra Shibir on Monday announced a full 28-member panel, including women, indigenous and students injured during the July Uprising.
Shibir announced the panel in front of the office of the Chief Returning Officer at Senate Bhaban after collecting nomination forms.
Shibir’s central publication secretary and its former DU unit president Md Abu Shadik (Kayem) was named as Vice President (VP) candidate.
Current president SM Farhad was announced as general secretary (GS) while unit secretary Mohiuddin Khan will vie for Assistant GS (AGS) and finance secretary Nurul Islam Sabbir will contest the election for Literature and Cultural Secretary.
Ducsu election sparks excitement on DU campus
Jagannath Hall student Shorbomitra Chakma will contest it as a member candidate.
Among other positions, Fatema Tasnim Juma will run for Liberation War and Democratic Movement Secretary, Iqbal Haider for Science and Technology Secretary, and Umme Salma for Common Room, Reading Room and Cafeteria Secretary.
Khan Jasim, who lost an eye during the July uprising, was nominated for International Affairs Secretary.
Other nominees include Arman Hossain (Sports), Asif Abdullah (Student Transport), Shariful Islam Muaz (Social Service), Sajjad Hossain Khan (Research and Publication), Majharul Islam (Career Development), Abdullah Al Minhaj (Health and Environment), and Sakhawat Zakaria (Human Rights and Law).
13 collect nomination forms for Ducsu polls today, total now 20
During the Awami League’s last regime, Shibir carried out their activities secretly on the campus but after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5 last year, they emerged in public and credited their role during the uprising.
3 months ago
Ex-VP of DU Ziaur Rahman Hall dies
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.
5 years ago
Ducsu VP Nur accused of raping DU student
A rape case was filed against six people, including Vice-President of Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) Nurul Haque Nur.
5 years ago
No irregularities in Ducsu poll: Probe body
Dhaka, May 30 (UNB) - The seven-member probe body appointed by Dhaka University to investigate the widespread allegations of irregularities in the last Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) election held in March, submitted its report to a syndicate meeting last night , in which they claim to have found no proof of irregularities.
6 years ago
Ducsu polls ‘controversial’ but will take charge as VP: Nur
Dhaka, Mar 22 (UNB) - Quota reformist leader Nurul Haq Nur, who won the Dhaka University Central Students' Union vice-president post in what he called an ‘unfair’ election, now says he will take office.
6 years ago
Students demo for Ducsu reelection
Dhaka, Mar 18 (UNB) – Students of Dhaka University on Monday demonstrated on the campus demanding reelection to Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu).
6 years ago
DU brushes aside allegations of irregularities in Ducsu polls
Dhaka, Mar 16 (UNB) – Dhaka University (DU) authorities on Saturday turned down the allegations of vote-rigging and irregularities in the elections to Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) and its hall unions.
6 years ago
Newly-elected Ducsu committee at Ganobhaban to meet PM
Dhaka, Mar 16 (UNB) - Members of the newly-elected Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) went to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganobhaban on Saturday afternoon.
6 years ago
No authority to hold reelection: Ruqayyah Hall provost
Dhaka, Mar 14 (UNB) – Dhaka University’s Ruqayyah Hall Provost Prof Zeenat Huda on Thursday said she has no authority to meet students’ demand for reelection to the hall union.
6 years ago