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Published : 05 Sep 2025, 02:41 PM
Mahin Sarkar, an expelled leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has withdrawn from the race for general secretary (GS) in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election.
Speaking at a press conference outside Madhur Canteen on the Dhaka University campus on Friday, he announced that he would be throwing his support behind Abu Baker Mojumdar, the GS candidate from the NCP-backed Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangshad (BAGCHAS), running under the Students Against Discrimination banner.
“I became a candidate for the GS post in this DUCSU election and prepared thoroughly for it. But I felt that unity among the forces of the mass uprising is necessary everywhere. From that perspective, I believe Abu Baker is a frontline soldier of the mass uprising. If he is elected GS, it will count as a win for me,” said Mahin.
Mahin was expelled from the NCP on Aug 18 after he filed nomination papers for GS. The party accused him of “serious breaches of discipline”.
He explained his decision to step aside as an effort to consolidate student forces aligned with the mass uprising that toppled the Awami League regime last year.
“If leaders of the mass uprising can be elected to DUCSU, they will be more accountable to students than anyone else,” he said. “Those who fought and struggled for students understand their struggles, and they will work more for them.”
Despite his withdrawal, Mahin’s name will remain on the ballot. “Since there is no opportunity to withdraw candidacy now, my name will remain. But to all those who supported me, I say: please elect Abu Baker,” he added.
Welcoming Mahin's support, Abu Baker said: “Many advised us to move together, and he has supported us in that regard. He has shown great generosity of spirit, and for that I extend my thanks and gratitude on behalf of everyone.”
While backing Abu Baker for GS, Mahin urged students not to overlook other candidates from his own panel.
“Members of my panel are all highly capable. Please keep them in your consideration as well.”
From the Students Against Discrimination panel, BAGCHAS’s Dhaka University Convener Abdul Kader is running for vice president.
