‘Will speak out if obstructed’, says DU VC on DUCSU election

University hall provosts “voice doubts” over fair electoral environment

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Niaz Ahmad Khan has said he will publicly speak out if the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election process faces any obstruction.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) on Saturday morning, he said he would stay involved in the process “as long as everyone holds his hand”.

But if that support fades, he warned: “I will call everyone and clearly explain at what stage I am being obstructed.”

His remarks came amid growing speculation over the university’s ability to organise a free and fair DUCSU election.

Shortly after his comments circulated in the media, the Dhaka University Public Relations Office issued a formal protest, accusing several media outlets of distorting the VC’s remarks under misleading headlines such as: “DU VC says he will step aside and reveal everything if DUCSU election is obstructed.”

In an official statement, the university denounced what it called a “misrepresentation” of the VC’s comments.

Quoting Prof Niaz more fully, it read: “My position is clear. We have made this much progress after over 70 meetings and discussions with all stakeholders. As long as everyone stays with me, this process will continue.

“The moment someone lets go, I will gather everyone and explain what is happening and where we stand.”

However, even the official clarification did little to quell political reactions. The distorted remarks triggered a mixed response across student groups.

Bin Yamin Molla, vice-president (VP) candidate from the “DUCSU for Change” panel supported by the Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, alleged that the administration was attempting to delay the elections by creating “artificial crises”.

Abu Bakar Mazumder, VP candidate from the Democratic Students’ Union-backed panel, echoed concerns.

“We and the students fear whether this election will be fair at all,” he said.

Amid these developments, the university’s hall provosts held a separate meeting on Friday to assess the overall environment for holding the election.

Sources at the meeting told bdnews24.com that several provosts voiced concerns over the “lack” of a level playing field and questioned whether the election could be conducted on schedule.

In a previous Provost Standing Committee meeting, Abdullah-Al-Mamun, provost of Salimullah Muslim Hall and the committee’s convenor, reportedly expressed similar concerns about the election atmosphere.

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.

bdnews24.com also reached out to several other provosts for their views.

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.