‘Fake ID cards are being used’ to bring outsiders onto campus, says Umama Fatema

She flags Nilkhet as possible source of forged Dhaka University ID cards

Umama Fatema, vice-president candidate from the Independent Students Unity panel, has alleged that attempts are being made to bring outsiders into campus using fake identity cards before the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election.

Speaking at a press conference at Madhur Canteen on Monday, Umama and her panel members raised several concerns, urging the Election Commission to ensure security and fairness in the voting process scheduled for Tuesday.

“We are hearing from different sources that there are attempts to enter outsiders inside polling centres using fake ID cards. At the same time, there may be efforts to create line jamming, stop voting, or prolong the process -- this has reached our ears,” she said.

Calling for preventive measures, Umama said: “When our voters are inside the polling centres [on Tuesday], if anyone suspicious is found with an ID card, then a mobile ID card checker must be present. That way, we can prevent outsiders from entering.”

She also urged the authorities to investigate whether fake IDs were being produced in the Nilkhet area adjacent to Dhaka University.

Umama further alleged attempts to disable candidates’ social media accounts on the eve of the polls.

“Since this morning, many candidates of the DUCSU election have been targeted. Their accounts are being attacked, attempts are being made to disable them. Some candidates from other panels have already lost access to their accounts,” she said.

“We request the Election Commission at the last moment, please provide IT support to all candidates,” she added.

Umama pressed for proper facilities at polling centres to protect voters from hardship during the hot weather.

“When our students come to vote, it is the duty of the authorities to ensure proper facilities. There must be drinking water, medical support, and seating arrangements inside the centres. Fans must be available in all centres. As voters will come from morning until night, oral saline, food saline, and dry food should also be available,” she said.

The candidate also called for police deployment alongside BNCC and Rover Scouts to ensure student safety during the election.