DUCSU elections: Voting underway amid festive atmosphere

PARBATTA NEWS DESK

Voting in the long-awaited Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall unions elections has been underway since 08:00 am on Tuesday.

Five hours into polling, the atmosphere across the eight centres on campus has been described as festive, peaceful and marked by enthusiasm. For many students, this is their first opportunity to cast ballots in an environment free from fear.

Student voices

After casting his vote, one student told reporters: “This is the first time I’ve voted, and I’m very happy to have the chance to choose a leader who will represent my voice.”

He also called on fellow students to come to the polling station and cast their votes.

Another student expressed satisfaction with the process, saying: “I was able to vote freely, according to my own choice. In the past, we heard that certain groups would pressure students to vote for specific candidates, or even mark the ballots on their behalf. But this time, no such incidents occurred.”

Candidates also shared their views. Islami Chhatra Shibir’s vice president candidate Shadik Kayem urged students to support their panel, saying: “Through this DUCSU election, we want to establish a positive democratic transition.”

Chhatra Dal-backed general secretary candidate Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim voiced satisfaction with the overall conduct of the polls. He predicted turnout could reach 80–85% and said he was optimistic about his chances.

Candidates and voters

A total of 471 candidates are contesting 28 posts.

Forty-eight are vying for vice president, 19 for general secretary and 25 for assistant general secretary.

Other races include Liberation War and Democratic Movement Secretary (17 candidates), Common Room, Reading Room and Cafeteria Secretary (11), and International Affairs Secretary (14).

For Literature and Cultural Secretary there are 19 candidates, while 12 are competing for Science and Technology Secretary, nine for Research and Publication Secretary, 13 for Sports Secretary and 12 for Student Transport Secretary.

Seventeen candidates are standing for Social Service Secretary, 15 for Health and Environment Secretary, 11 for Human Rights and Law Secretary, and 15 for Career Development Secretary.

For member positions alone, 217 candidates are in the fray.

University figures show 39,775 students are registered to vote, including 20,873 men and 18,902 women. Polls are scheduled to close at 16:00.

Security measures

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has deployed extensive security to maintain order.

Measures include check-posts at campus gates, routine patrols, officers equipped with body cameras, SWAT teams, bomb disposal squads, intelligence units and CCTV coverage. Special forces are also patrolling.

Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are assisting. Police say 1,771 officers were on duty on Monday, with another 2,096 added on election day.

Traffic restrictions are in force around Shahbagh, the High Court, Nilkhet, Shahidullah Hall and Polashi. Commuters have been advised to use alternative routes.

The DMP has also imposed an arms ban from 20:00 on 8 September until 12:00 on 11 September.

University assurances

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan told reporters on Monday that the administration was determined to conduct the election transparently.

“We want to conduct this year’s DUCSU elections with the highest level of transparency — and transparency will be our greatest strength,” he said.

He added that the university had worked with stakeholders to overcome challenges.

To build confidence, the vote count will be broadcast live on LED screens outside polling stations. Chief Returning Officer Professor Dr Mohammad Zashim Uddin confirmed the measure in a statement on Sunday, saying it would make the process more open and credible.

Election day rules

The Election Commission has prohibited bags, mobile phones, smartwatches, electronic devices, water bottles and other liquids inside polling centres.

The university is also running a special shuttle bus service between 07:45 and 15:50. The service covers the Geology Department, Curzon Hall, Shahbagh, TSC, Udayan School, Teachers’ Club, ULAB School and College, Senate Building and the Physical Education Centre.