Home
+
Published : 24 Aug 2025, 03:02 AM
Provosts of several residential halls at Dhaka University have expressed concerns over the atmosphere for the Sept 9 DUCSU election and whether all candidates will enjoy a “level playing field”, with some even suggesting the polls be postponed.
In contrast, Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmad Khan acknowledged that both anxieties and support exist around the election, adding that he would not hesitate to speak out if he faced any obstruction in ensuring a fair process.
“As long as everyone holds my hand, I will stay in the field,” he said. “But the moment you let go, I will clearly call you and say: here I am being blocked.”
The remarks came on Friday night at a joint meeting of the DUCSU and Hall Union Election Commission and the Provost Standing Committee, where several provosts voiced worries about the electoral environment.
Their comments, coupled with circulation of a statement attributed to the VC -- which the university’s public relations office later dismissed as distorted -- fuelled fresh uncertainty over the polls. The PR office later issued the full text of his remarks to clarify.
Some candidates quickly seized on the issue. Bin Yamin Molla, VP candidate from the "DUCSU for Change" panel backed by the Gono Odhikar Parishad’s student front Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, or Student Rights Council, said: “The administration is now creating artificial crises to delay the election.”
Abu Bakar Mazumder, GS candidate from the panel backed by the Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad -- regarded as the student wing of the National Citizen Party (NCP) -- also voiced doubts. “Students and we ourselves fear whether this election will be held fairly,” he remarked.
After a gap of more than six years, Dhaka University authorities have scheduled DUCSU voting for Sept 9. Verification of nomination papers is currently under way.
According to the preliminary candidate list published on Thursday, 462 candidates have been cleared to contest 28 positions. The VP race has drawn the largest field with 48 candidates, followed by 19 for GS and 28 for AGS.
Asked about the provosts’ concerns, VC Prof Niaz Khan said the decision lay with the Election Commission.
Chief Returning Officer Prof Jasim Uddin told bdnews24.com he would address the matter in detail on Sunday.
‘CONCERNS’ OF PROVOSTS
Discussions with five participating provosts revealed details of the meeting, though none wished to be named.
Some raised concerns over ensuring a level playing field in the upcoming election, while doubts were also voiced about whether the polls would be held on the scheduled date.
One provost said, “Since the 5th of August, those who have acted as student representatives have been involved in ‘mob’ creation and different forms of harassment. Now they are contesting from different panels, which is influencing candidates from other organisations, as they have established dominance in several areas.”
Another provost said some student representatives hold an advantage through development works carried out in different halls. Others are controlling organisations and clubs, which is also obstructing a fair environment.
A similar discussion reportedly took place earlier during a separate meeting of the Provost Standing Committee.
One provost said Prof Abdullah-Al-Mamun, provost of Salimullah Muslim Hall and convenor of the committee, expressed concern about the overall environment for the election.
Speaking to bdnews24.com, Mamun denied making any solo remarks.
“Many issues were discussed. I didn’t speak alone. I recommended discussing the matter with the election commission,” he said.
Prof Rafiqul Islam, provost of Masterda Surja Sen Hall, said: “The overall environment was discussed. Some areas are fine, others have issues. We’ve received a mix of opinions. The meeting discussed how to overcome these challenges.
“We’ve been instructed to maintain a good environment and to ensure a level playing field for all, so that no one is disadvantaged,” he added.
WHAT VC SAYS
Asked about the provosts’ concerns, VC Niaz said provosts from different halls spoke on up to 13 issues during the meeting.
“They mentioned matters like the trial of Chhatra League members, their inclusion in the voter list, the role of the disciplinary committee, what to do if members of Shibir remain internally active in clubs, and the situation of BGCS [Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sanghad] appears under different names,” he said.
He added, “It’s not just about the level playing field. The discussion pointed to hall-based problems. If we move ahead without resolving them, there’s a risk of major trouble.”
Prof Niaz clarified his stance on the election, saying: “My position is very clear. We don’t live in an ideal world. Our job is to address every concern as much as we can.”
Referring to the need for a meeting with the election commission, he said: “Waiting for a perfect situation to begin -- that’s all theoretical talk. I don’t deal in theories.
“I’m not doing this election out of personal interest. I took it up because there is overwhelming interest among students.”
Niaz said every concern raised by the provosts will be addressed.
“We want to take every possible step. We want everyone to take part. From the very beginning, I’ve said I have no personal agenda,” he added.
He noted that six steps have already been taken by the university administration, including the removal of billboards, contacting BTRC about cyberbullying, and holding meetings with faculty members.
Asked whether he was worried about the election, the VC said: “Of course there are concerns. That’s why I’m trying, we’re all trying. But it’s also true that there is strong support. Without that, I couldn’t have carried on.
“This kind of initiative is, in some ways, drawing more attention than a national election.”
“So yes, there will be some conspiracies, some clashes. But there is also support. That’s our strength. If I remain transparent, and if I have no dishonest intention, I will succeed,” he added.
