DU set for DUCSU, Hall Union polls Tuesday

Dhaka University is set to hold the long-awaited elections to the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and Hall Unions tomorrow, with preparations in full swing across the campus.

Eight polling centres with 810 booths have been set up – more than the initially proposed 500-710 – to accommodate voters.

Voting will take place from 8am to 4pm without a break.

Chief Returning Officer Prof Dr Mohammad Jasim Uddin assured that all voters in line by 4pm will be allowed to cast their ballots.

The polling centres have been distributed as follows: Curzon Hall (Examination Hall) for students of Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall, Amar Ekushey Hall and Fazlul Haque Muslim Hall; the Physical Education Centre for Jagannath Hall, Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall and Salimullah Muslim Hall; the Student-Teacher Centre (TSC) for Rokeya Hall; DU Club Centre for Bangladesh-Kuwait Friendship Hall and Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall; Senate Bhaban (Alumni Floor, Seminar Room and Dining Room) for Sir AF Rahman Hall, Haji Muhammad Muhsin Hall and Bijoy Ekattor Hall; Udayan School and College Centre for Surya Sen Hall, Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall, Kabi Jasim Uddin Hall and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall; the Geology Department Centre for Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall; and the University Laboratory School and College Centre for Shamsun Nahar Hall.

Special shuttle services from Shahbagh to polling centres will operate between 7:45am and 3:50pm, according to Returning Officer Prof Dr Golam Rabbani.

The official campaign ended Sunday night, with panels and independents making a final push through processions, leaflet distribution and oath-taking ceremonies.

The BNP-backed Abid-Hamim-Mayed Parishad pledged to end guest-room torture, ensure women’s safety, improve healthcare, resist authoritarianism and uphold transparency.

The Shibir-backed United Students’ Alliance promised a “ballot revolution.”

The Bangladesh Democratic Student Council (BDSC) sought support based on its role in student movements, while the DUCSU for Change panel campaigned at the Public Library.

The Aparajeyo 71-Adamyo 24 panel vowed to resist anti-liberation forces.

Independent candidates, including Sheikh Tasnim Afroz Emi of the Left Alliance and Umama Fatima, campaigned in residence halls.

Students expressed mixed views ahead of the polls.

Rizwanul Haque Rifat, a student of International Relations, said they would evaluate who had truly stood by the students.

Rokeya Hall’s Sadia Akhter remarked that the party affiliation of candidates was not the key issue; rather, it was the quality of the candidate.

The University Teachers Network issued a 10-point demand to the Election Commission, including stronger security, transparent recruitment of polling officers and extending voting hours to 5pm.

They warned that irregularities similar to those in the 2019 DUCSU polls could undermine credibility.

At Madhur Canteen, BDSC GS candidate Abu Baker Majumdar accused the Election Commission of bias, while VP candidate Abdul Qader alleged attempts to sway votes through phone calls and illegal campaigning.

Students reported receiving phone calls from BNP and Jamaat leaders urging them to support affiliated panels. Following backlash, BNP’s Chhatra Dal expelled a local leader soliciting votes over the phone.

Amid growing allegations, candidates appealed for participation.

“Vote for whoever you want, but please come to vote,” urged Meghmallar Basu of the Left Alliance.

Meanwhile, a newly formed group – the Sovereignty-conscious Students’ Union – demanded the cancellation of candidacies of students allegedly engaged in “anti-state separatist propaganda” regarding the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

At a press conference near the National Museum, leaders accused some candidates of conspiring to separate the CHT with support from foreign NGOs and India.

They called for revoking studentship and legal action against those involved.