471 vie for DUCSU, Army to ensure security

Banglapress Published: 23 September 2025, 10:26 AM

471 vie for DUCSU, Army to ensure security

Bangla Press Desk: The Election Commission on Tuesday released the final list of candidates for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and Hall Union elections, with the Army taking full control of security throughout the process. At a press briefing at the Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban, Chief Returning Officer Prof Dr Mohammad Jasim Uddin said a total of 471 candidates would contest 28 posts in the DUCSU polls. Initially, 509 candidates filed nominations, but 28 withdrew and 10 were disqualified after scrutiny and appeals. Among the contestants, 45 are vying for vice president (VP), 19 for general secretary (GS), 25 for assistant general secretary (AGS), and 217 for 13 member posts. A total of 62 women candidates are participating, including five for VP, one for GS, and four for AGS.

Prof Jasim Uddin called on candidates to uphold democratic values, saying, “Dhaka University has led the nation during historic struggles of 1952, 1969, 1971, 1990 and 2024. DUCSU can again be a model for a nation deprived of democracy. Let us make history together.” According to the Election Commission, a three-tier security system will be deployed: university authorities and DNCC personnel in the first layer, police in the second, and the Army as a striking force in the third. Soldiers will be stationed at polling centres, control ballot security, and remain until results are officially announced. They will be able to reach any centre within five minutes in case of unrest. DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjad Ali confirmed that police will work under DUCSU Election Commission directives. The commission has also announced that outsiders will be barred from entering the campus seven days prior to polling. On 8–9 September, Dhaka University metro station will remain closed, and only students with valid IDs will be allowed entry.

The Election Commission has warned that hate speech, communal propaganda, or attacks on gender and ethnic identity will lead to the cancellation of nominations, studentship, and residential seats, along with legal action. Campaigning in religious spaces or through majlis-mahfils has been prohibited. Online hate speech and harassment will also be monitored. Returning Officer Prof Shamim Reza said, “Martyrdom cannot be disrespected. Attacks on religious identity, gender or caste will result in immediate disqualification.” According to the commission, ballots for DUCSU posts will be five pages long, while hall parliament ballots will be one page. As the scanning machines can process only 5,000-6,000 ballots per hour, officials have cautioned that the result announcement may take time. “The official results will be declared no matter how late it is,” said Prof Jasim Uddin. However, on the first day of campaigning, tensions flared at the Faculty of Fine Arts after unidentified youths allegedly tore down banners of the Shibir-backed United Students Alliance.

Shibir Sports Secretary Miftahul Maruf demanded that the university check CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators. Assistant Proctor Md Israfil acknowledged the incident, saying, “Whoever did it, did it wrong. Action will be taken if a written complaint is submitted.” Meanwhile, VP candidate Abidul Islam Khan of Chhatra Dal demanded more polling stations, arguing that eight centres are insufficient for 40,000 voters. He also alleged online campaign irregularities and accused an AGS candidate of intimidation and blackmail. However, the accused, Ashikul Haque Rifat of Sir AF Rahman Hall, denied the allegations, terming them “baseless propaganda.”

Despite concerns, Election Commission officials remain optimistic. Returning Chief Officer Professor Jasim Uddin said, “We are noticing the enthusiasm of students. If this spirit continues, a fair and impartial election is possible.”This article was originally published on Daily Sun.

[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.]

471 vie for DUCSU, Army to ensure security

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