DUCSU delegation meets EC over suspended Sylhet students’ union polls

EC says elections can be held if university authorities and candidates apply

A delegation from the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has met the election commissioner following the suspension of the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology students’ union (SUCSU) election.

The meeting took place at the Nirbachan Bhaban on Tuesday evening.

DUCSU Vice-President Shadik Kayem, Assistant General Secretary Mohiuddin Khan and Executive Member Miftahul Maruf attended the meeting.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Shadik said holding student union elections across campuses was one of the key aspirations of the July Uprising.

“Leadership on campuses should come from representatives elected by students. DUCSU, CUCSU, RUCSU, and JUCSU elections have already been held fairly,” he said.

“Through these elections, we have been able to convey a message nationwide about what a democratic process should look like.”

Referring to the situation at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), he said a gazette notification had been issued on Monday suspending the scheduled election.

“We first spoke to the university administration and then came to the Election Commission. We had a constructive discussion,” Shadik said.

“We pointed out that the national election is scheduled for Feb 12, while this student union election was set for Jan 20. Suspending it this early on security grounds is not appropriate.”

He added that the Election Commission informed them that the election could be held on time if the university authorities and candidates submitted the necessary applications.