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Published : 09 Sep 2025, 10:59 PM
The Dhaka University administration has announced that no classes and examinations will be held on Wednesday, the day after the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election.
The decision was announced on Tuesday night, the day of the election.
A statement from the Dhaka University Public Relations Office said, "All classes and examinations at Dhaka University will be closed on Wednesday."
University authorities had issued a notice on Aug 30 announcing that all classes and examinations would be suspended from Sunday, Sept 7, to Wednesday, Sept 10, to increase student participation in the polls following demands from different panels.
Many also opposed the decision. There were concerns that students might leave the campus and go home during the extended break.
In another notification on Sept 1, the decision was changed to exclude Sept 7, meaning that classes and exams would remain suspended from Sept 8-10.
Finally, on Sept 3, the election’s Returning Officer Jasim Uddin said at a press conference that classes and exams would only be cancelled for Sept 9, the day of the election.
Stating that he had taken the decision “in the face of demands” from the candidates, he said: “As per tradition, Dhaka University will be closed for one day for the DUCSU elections. We considered the students’ request and, after taking overall security into consideration, we requested the authorities to extend the holiday, and the authorities made that arrangement.
“As you know, this time the elections are being held under special measures. They are not taking place in the halls, but in our academic area. At this moment, in light of the requests of many candidates, we have again requested the administration to change its previous decision by only closing the university on the 9th. The administration has accepted that request. Accordingly, a revised notification is being issued.”
Ballots were cast in the DUCSU polls from 8am to 4pm at 810 booths in eight polling centres on the campus on Tuesday.
During the polls and after they closed, four panels made allegations that others had breached the code of conduct.
The Chhatra Dal also protested against election authorities at TSC over claims that pre-filled ballots had been found for two candidates from the Chhatra Shibir-backed panel.
Reports say activists from the BNP’s student affiliate protested in front of the Dhaka University Club for “overnight stuffing” of ballot boxes.
People have also begun to gather at the entrances to the campus during the counting of votes.
Although the identities of the individuals present could not be confirmed, the Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir-supported candidates have made claims and counter-claims that they are supporters of their opposition attempting to influence the polls.
Chhatra Dal vice president candidate Abidul Islam Khan said that Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists are “organising” in Nilkhet, Shahbagh, and Chankharpul.
On the other hand, Shibir panel general secretary candidate SM Farhad alleged that Jubo Dal and BNP leaders and activists are taking up positions at five locations surrounding the campus.
In the wake of various allegations of irregularities, university authorities have announced that there will be no classes or exams on Wednesday.
