Ahead of the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections, several leaders from Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad (Bagchhas) are shifting allegiance, joining a newly formed panel led by National Citizens Party (NCP) leader Mahin Sarkar and Swadhin Bangla Chhatra Sansad convener Jamaluddin Khalid, leaving their original party platform.
The development was confirmed after Jamaluddin Khalid posted a photo on Facebook on August 15, using the hashtag #DUFirst. The image showed Mahin Sarkar, Joint Member Secretary of the NCP, standing beside Khalid, alongside other student leaders.
Also visible in the photo were Saidur Rahman, Joint Member Secretary of the Bagchhas, its former leader Bayezid Hasan, DU unit organiser Sabbir Uddin Rion, and several other student activists.
In a conversation with Jago News, Jamaluddin Khalid revealed that Mahin Sarkar is likely to contest the election for the post of General Secretary, while Fateha Sharmin Eni is expected to run for Assistant General Secretary (AGS) under the new panel.
When asked about his involvement, Bayezid Hasan confirmed his participation. “If we go forward, Mahin Sarkar and I, along with four coordinators, will be part of Khalid Bhai’s panel,” he said.
The move has sparked internal discussions within the Bagchhas, as some of its members are now aligning with the new coalition.
Limon Mahmud, Senior Joint Convener of Bagchhas, told Jago News that the leadership had raised concerns with the involved members. “When we asked them, they said they attended the meeting because they were invited. But seeing the gathering and the photo, we believe they intend to contest under that panel.”
He added: “We will hold a discussion with them today. If any DSU member decides to run under another panel, an organisational decision will be taken accordingly.”
The emergence of this new alliance reflects shifting dynamics in the lead-up to the DUCSU polls, as student leaders from different political backgrounds come together in pursuit of common electoral goals.
With the election schedule expected soon, the realignment could reshape the competitive landscape of Dhaka University’s long-awaited student union polls.