Newly elected VP Nur demands fresh DUCSU polls by Mar 31

Newly elected DUCSU VP Nurul Haq Nur has demanded fresh polls to the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union by Mar 31.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 13 March 2019, 12:02 PM
Updated : 13 March 2019, 02:22 PM

The leaders of panels who boycotted the Mar 11 election have warned the Dhaka University authorities that they must announce a voting reschedule within three days.

They will go for tougher protests unless their demands are met by Saturday.

Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Professor Akhtaruzzaman rejected their demands and said he has no jurisdiction to show 'disrespect' towards the DUCSU polls, which was the result of the “tireless efforts by all”.

All the formalities to entrust elected candidates with the responsibilities will be completed in line with the rules, he said.

After emerging from the VC’s office, Independent Alliance VP candidate Arani Semanti Khan told reporters, "He listened to all of us and spoke to us. He said those involved in the criminal activities will not be spared.”

"Then we asked why the Dhaka University had not acted against the Chhatra League that let loose its goons on the campus over the past year. We did not get an answer."

About the demands submitted to the VC, she said they will launch tough protests if a schedule for fresh DUCSU polls is not announced by Saturday and actions are not taken against those involved with rigging election and pressing false charges.

Leftist student panel VP candidate Liton Nandi said they did not get a positive response from the VC.

“We have said the cases on false charges must be withdrawn. He did not listen to us. Rather, he said none of those who created instability at the university will be spared. They will be sued under the criminal act."

Later in the afternoon, newly elected VP Nur, a leader of quota reform protesters, told reporters: “All the student organisations except Chhatra League have demanded re-election. Our protests were for that purpose. Today they gave a three-day ultimatum to the VC sir. Since I have been elected amidst vote rigging, I supported their demands as a representative of them.”

"I also want fresh elections by Mar 31 after cancellation of the questionable election."

About the demands of the panel leaders, the VC told reporters, "We cannot disrespect the relentless efforts made by 450 teachers, officials and employees of the university. I do not have the jurisdiction to disrespect their labour."

But he warned that they will not tolerate any attempt to create anarchy or disrupt academic activities on the campus.