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Published : 04 Sep 2025, 10:43 PM
The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election commission has warned against “smear campaigns” on social media, particularly in two Facebook groups frequented by students.
At a briefing on Thursday, Golam Rabbani, head of the taskforce on DUCSU election codes of conduct, said candidates could face disqualification, students expulsion, and outsiders legal cases if found involved.
He said the first two measures would apply to any users who could be identified as Dhaka Univerisity students.
“For others, who may not be students, we will file cases if necessary and take whatever action the law permits,” he added, noting that cyberbullying had become the “biggest problem” in the election.
The Facebook group “Dhaka University Chhatra Sangsad” has 67,000 members, including current and former Dhaka University students.
Another group, now called “Chhatra Sangsad-2”, has 49,000 members. Its original name, “Dhaka University Chhatra Sangsad-2”, was shortened after the university issued a notice citing violations of election codes.
The commission said it had written to the BTRC chairman requesting closure of these and similar pages.
“But they have limitations, they can’t shut down the pages” Rabbani said.
“They claim that some of these links are controlled from outside the country. From what I have been told, BTRC can control local domains but cannot shut these pages fully.”
As BTRC has been unable to block them, the only option left is to identify the administrators and take punitive measures, he added.
Apart from the issue, Rabbani said the overall campus situation was “running very smoothly”.
A university media statement on the commission’s briefing reiterated that there would be no leniency for cyber offences.
It noted, “During campaigning, attempts are being made through cyberbullying to malign candidates, including personal character attacks. Female candidates, in particular, have been subjected to such incidents, which is against human rights.
“If the allegations are proven, strict action will be taken by the DUCSU election taskforce and cyber control cell, alongside necessary legal steps. Returning officers have made it clear there will be zero tolerance for cyberbullying or smear campaigns during the DUCSU and hall union elections.”
