DUCSU: Returning officer asks students to ignore rumours and vote 'without fear'

He says nothing has occurred but rumours are circulating widely

Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election’s Chief Returning Officer Prof Md Jasim Uddin has called on students to cast their votes "without fear" and disregard misinformation.

In a briefing on Sunday afternoon at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban, he described misinformation as a serious social concern, saying “nothing has occurred but rumours are circulating widely”.

He advised students to follow the university's Facebook page or website and to contact the returning officer's office for any information.

He appealed to the Dhaka University students who are eligible to vote, saying, "They must come and vote at the eight polling centres we have set up on the campus on 9th of September.

"They should cast their votes without fear and choose their future leadership that will work for their rights and demands."

The chief returning officer said they have already received reports about long lines being created with fake voters and about the creation of fake identification cards.

"It is very easy to identify these fake IDs or voters. If anyone is caught doing this, they will be handed over directly to police."

Jasim mentioned that the number of booths at the polling centres has been increased from 710 to 810 to ease voting for residential and non-residential electorates.

He said, "We are almost at the final stage of the election. We have taken multiple steps to make the vote fair, neutral, and inclusive.

"Over the past few days, we have organised electoral debates with the VP, GS, and AGS candidates. Since most of them are new voters, we held meetings in four faculties to encourage the students. The commission informed them about the voting process there."

He added that the number of buses for shuttle services within the campus and on routes in Dhaka and surrounding areas has been increased for student transportation to and from the polling centres.

"Additionally, we have asked the Inspector General of Police to arrange for students to travel safely to and from the surrounding districts of Dhaka."

Referring to violations of the code of conduct, returning officer Prof Golam Rabbani said: "From the start of the campaign to date, we have taken action on all the complaints we have received.

"Some of these were warnings given verbally or over the phone. Others were formal warnings in writing. We have also taken two punitive measures."