No one but candidates, voters can campaign for DUCSU elections

“We are committed to holding a fair election from a neutral perspective,” says pro-vice-chancellor

Dhaka University syndicate has greenlit the Code of Conduct of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) and Hall Sangsad polls, stipulating that only candidates and eligible voters can participate in election campaigns.

The meeting of the syndicate authorised the rules on Thursday, said Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed.

According to the rules, campaigning can be held from the day the candidate list is finalised until 24 hours before the polling day, from 10am to 11pm every day. But no microphones are allowed after 10pm.

Many have raised objections against the rule barring everyone other than voters or candidates from taking part in campaigns in the university area.

Nazim, a student of the Department of Organization Strategy and Leadership, said: “I don't think this will be applicable. If any outsider or former member campaigns, the university administration has no jurisdiction to stop it as there is no national law.”

Former DUCSU candidate Sadiqul Islam Sadiq called the rule “unenforceable”, saying: “DUCSU is like a national election. The central leaders and activists of the organisation come here and campaign for their party.”

When attention was drawn to this issue, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Sayema Haque Bidisha said: “Once the election commission is formed, we will see what can be done about it.”

According to the rules, a candidate can be accompanied by a maximum of five candidates while collecting and submitting nomination papers.

“No other candidate or individual, group, or student organisation can create any sort of obstruction.

“No rival candidate or on his behalf can hold any procession with any kind of vehicle during the nomination papers’ submission, withdrawal, or election campaign.”

The rules mention if a candidate or his/her representative wants to hold a meeting, rally, or procession, they must obtain written permission from the chief returning officer, specifying the day, time, and place.

This permission must be obtained at least 24 hours in advance.

A rule has also been introduced prohibiting public meetings on roads that could disrupt traffic in the campus area.

Black and white posters, leaflets, or handbills may be used for campaigning, but they cannot be posted on any establishment, wall, vehicle, fence, or any other standing object.

Candidates are also prohibited from using anyone else's picture or symbol on these materials except their own.

Candidates, voters, or students can use bicycles and rickshaws on the day of voting.

Outside of this, only vehicles with the permission of the returning officer can move.

Penalties have also been provided for violating the code of conduct.

If a candidate or anyone on their representative violates the election code of conduct, a maximum fine of Tk 20,000, cancellation of candidature, expulsion from the university, or other punishment as per state/university laws will be imposed.

A seven-member committee was formed on Jan 15, convened by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Prof Mamun Ahmed Khan, to formulate the code of conduct for the DUCSU and Hall Sangsad elections.

The code of conduct prepared by that committee was approved by the Syndicate, the highest policy-making forum of Dhaka University, on Apr 24.

In this regard, Mamun said: “We have prepared it after discussing it in the Syndicate. Through this, we hope to be able to hold a fair election.”