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Published : 07 Sep 2025, 09:21 PM
Ahead of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) polls, a series of surveys claiming to show voter preferences have stirred controversy, with critics questioning both their neutrality and methodology.
Four different organisations have so far published findings. In three of them, Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed vice-president (VP) candidate Abu Shadik Kayem was shown to hold a commanding lead.
At least two of the organisations involved are directly linked to Shibir activists, raising concerns of bias.
In contrast, another survey, circulated by writer Mohiuddin Mohammad on behalf of the “Bangladesh Public Academy”, projected BNP-backed Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal candidate Abidul Islam Khan far ahead.
The conflicting results have fuelled debate over whether the surveys were conducted impartially.
At a press conference on Sunday, Dhaka University Research Sangsad said its online survey of 900 students suggested 20.9 percent support for Shibir’s United Student Alliance, 16.4 percent for Chhatra Dal’s panel, and 38.8 percent for independent candidates.
Support for other panels included Democratic Student Union 4.7 percent, Combined Students’ Council 1.6 percent, and seven left-wing student organisations 2.1 percent.
The group said it surveyed 44 percent female and 56 percent male students, including both residential (45 percent) and non-residential (55 percent) students from nine halls.
It claimed that 78 percent of respondents were fully aware of the election schedule, 21 percent partially aware, and 1 percent unaware.
Two other organisations, Narrative and Sochchar, also published findings.
Narrative’s founder Abdullah Mohammad Ruhel told a press conference that 95 percent of students were keen to vote. He claimed 42 percent of decided voters backed Shibir’s Shadik Kayem for VP, with 16.5 percent supporting independent Shamim Hossain.
However, questions were raised as Narrative has previously hosted discussions involving Shibir leaders.
Sochchar said it polled 991 students between Aug 1 and Aug 20, showing 32 percent support for Shibir, 22 percent for independents, and 7 percent for Chhatra Dal, with 34 percent undecided.
But its President Anas Ibn Munir is himself contesting the DUCSU election from Shibir-backed panel.
Munir denied personal involvement in the poll, saying it was conducted by the organisation’s parent body.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Public Academy survey of 240 “willing voters” showed Chhatra Dal’s VP candidate Abidul ahead with 46 percent, followed by BAGCHAS VP nominee Abdul Kader at 18 percent, independent candidate Umama Fatema at 12 percent. and Shibir’s Shadik at 9 percent.
Independent GS candidate Al Sadi Bhuiyan questioned the legitimacy of the polls.
“These so-called surveys may be manipulated by party supporters, even bots. They are not neutral,” he said.
Speaking to bdnews24.com, Independent AGS candidate Tahmid Al Mudassir Chowdhury said: “On the ground we see one reality, but online surveys suggest another. These are attempts to influence voters. Students will give their answer through the ballot on the 9th of September.”
Kader added. “Research can be important before elections, but how can we expect neutrality when Narrative’s president is a Shibir activist? This is meant to mislead students. They will reply on polling day.”
Repeated attempts to contact Shibir-backed Shadik Kayem, GS candidate Farhad, and AGS candidate Mohiuddin Khan went unanswered.
