After a six-year hiatus, the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) is set to hold elections on September 9, sparking excitement and political fervour across the campus.
The 2019 elections, marred by controversies and irregularities, remain a vivid memory, setting a distinct backdrop for this year’s polls. Student organizations are actively strategising to secure votes in this highly anticipated event.
The elections will cover 28 posts, including key roles like Vice President (VP), General Secretary (GS), and Assistant General Secretary (AGS).
Four new posts – Research and Publications Secretary, Career Development Secretary, Health and Environment Secretary, and Human Rights and Legal Affairs Secretary – have been introduced in response to student demands, according to the university administration.
The election schedule was announced on July 29 at the Senate Building.
Discussions about potential candidates are intensifying. The
Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad, formed post-July uprising, is expected to play a significant role. Leaders like convener Abu Baker Majumder, member secretary Zahid Ahsan, chief organider Tahmid Al Muddasir Chowdhury, and DU branch convener Abdul Quader are among the prominent names.
Abdul Quader confirmed to Jago News, “I am running for VP, and Abu Baker is set for GS.” Zahid Ahsan and Tahmid Al Muddasir are being considered for AGS.
Quader added, “Despite the delayed schedule, we’re optimistic. We suspect the administration is cautious, but if they prioritise student strength, a fair election is possible. Our organisation plans to field a unified panel at both central and hall levels, including independent, respected figures from the uprising.”
Umama Fatima, former spokesperson of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, is also a strong contender, aiming to form a non-political panel. She told Jago News, “We’re working to unite those who’ve supported students without organisational affiliations.”
Similarly, Mohiuddin Mujahid Mahi, president of the Dhaka University Journalists Association, hinted at running with an independent panel focused on restoring university autonomy.
Rumours suggest Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Abu Sadiq Kayem and SM Farhad may contest. Shibir’s DU unit secretary Mohiuddin Khan told Jago News, “We welcome the schedule and are preparing a central panel, with plans to be announced soon.”
Meanwhile, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal faces internal challenges. A student leader, requesting anonymity, revealed that the DU branch president and secretary may prioritise organisational roles over DUCSU. However, leaders like Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas, Nahiduzzaman Shipon, Abidul Islam Khan, and Tanvir Bari Hamim are rumoured to be interested in VP and GS posts.
Leftist organisations are also active, with names like Meghmallar Basu of Bangladesh Chhatra Union, Jabir Ahmed of Biplobi Chhatra Maitri, and Mozammel Haque of Samajtantrik Chhatra Front in the mix. Haque emphasised to Jago News, “The administration must ensure a secure, fair election unlike 2019. We’ll field central and hall panels, collaborating with like-minded democratic and socio-cultural groups.”
Bin Yamin Mollah of Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, linked to Gana Odhikar Parishad, is another potential candidate, leveraging his party’s 2019 VP win.
Jamaluddin Khalid of Swadhin Bangla Chhatra Sangsad is exploring a “Unity in Diversity” panel, while Shamim Hossain, known for activism against the Guest Room system and Digital Security Act, is also in discussions.
With diverse ideologies and new faces, the DUCSU elections promise to be fiercely competitive and widely discussed, potentially marking a pivotal moment for student politics at Dhaka University.