Published : 09 Sep 2025, 06:51 PM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 01:47 PM
Leading candidates in the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) elections have given contrasting views on the voting process.
Umama Fatema, a vice president candidate from the Independent Student Unity panel, voiced concerns over alleged breaches of the election code inside polling centres. But her rival from the BNP-backed Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal panel, Abidul Islam Khan, dismissed allegations of irregularities.
During her visit to the TSC centre on Tuesday, Umama, a prominent organiser of the July Uprising, said: “Again, there have been many problems related to polling agents. There are many violations of the code of conduct inside the centre. We are actually worried about these, how much level playing field there is here, and whether there is sabotage or not.”
Umama alleged that some candidates were ignoring the restrictions placed on their movements.
“Candidates are not supposed to go inside the centre. But they are going to many areas. Many candidates are personally going to the centres of the boys’ halls. Posters and leaflets are being distributed. We are worried about these,” she said.
At the same time, she welcomed the strong turnout of women students.
“Girls are coming to vote very spontaneously. It is actually a real joy,” she said.
“We thought that female students, especially non-resident female students, might have a low voter turnout. But I will say that non-resident students, female students, are coming to vote with much more enthusiasm. This is a matter of pride for Dhaka University and for us. Students are aware of their responsibility, their right to vote.”
Meanwhile, Abidul refuted allegations that he himself had entered a polling booth in violation of the rules. Media reports said he stepped inside the Physical Education Centre in the section reserved for Jagannath Hall students around 8:30am, prompting complaints of misconduct.
Speaking to journalists two hours later at the TSC centre, Abidul said: “The news my people showed me is baseless and ill-motivated. The officer in charge of the centre himself took me inside and showed me the transparent ballot box. It was part of the normal process.”
Rejecting the criticism outright, he added: “The allegation of breaching the code of conduct is planned and has no foundation. Many complaints can be made if one wishes, but today is not the day for that.”
Voting began at 8am across eight centres and will continue until 4pm in 810 booths. Nearly 40,000 students are eligible to cast ballots. A total of 471 candidates are vying for 28 DUCSU posts, while over 1,000 others are contesting 234 hall union positions. At least 10 panels are in the race, along with many independents.
