In DUCSU GS race, some got 6 votes, some 9

In the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, 19 candidates contested for the post of General Secretary (GS). Altogether, they received 28,677 votes.

Among them, the winner with the highest votes was SM Forhad, from the panel supported by Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir. He received 10,794 votes.

On the other hand, the lowest, 6 votes, went to a candidate named Md. Niaz Makhdoom.

Several other GS candidates received comparatively fewer votes. They are: Saiyadul Bashar (9), Md. Shariful Islam Bhuiyan (13), Md. Samrat Islam (24), Md. Rakibul Hasan Munna (28), Md. Abu Sayad Bin Mahin Sarkar (37), and Md. Naim Islam (38).

This information comes from an analysis of DUCSU’s final results list.

The largest number of voters will cast their ballots at Udayan School and College Centre. Students from Masterda Surya Sen Hall, Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, and Poet Jasimuddin Hall will vote here, totalling 6,155 students. At the Geology Department Centre, students from Poet Sufia Kamal Hall will cast 4,443 votes. At University Laboratory School and College, 4,096 students from Shamsun Nahar Hall will vote.

Polling will run from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (eight hours). However, Chief Returning Officer Professor Mohammad Jasim Uddin has announced that any student entering the polling premises before 4:00 pm will be allowed to vote, regardless of how long it takes.

For the first time, the election commission has introduced a Braille voting system for visually impaired students who can read Braille. Those who cannot read Braille will be allowed to vote like others with the assistance of another person.

Students will cast their votes in 810 booths across eight designated centres on campus.

At Curzon Hall, students from Muhammad Shahidullah Hall, Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall, and Amar Ekushey Hall will vote, with a total of 5,077 registered voters.

The Physical Education Centre has been designated for Jagannath Hall, Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haq Hall, and Salimullah Muslim Hall students, accounting for 4,853 votes. At the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC), students from Rokeya Hall will cast their ballots (5,665 votes).

Dhaka University Club has been assigned for Bangladesh-Kuwait Friendship Hall and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall (4,755 votes in total). Students of Sir A F Rahman Hall, Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, and Bijoy Ekattor Hall will vote at the Senate Building (4,830 votes).

At least 10 panels, both partial and full, are contesting this year’s DUCSU election. The main competition for the top three positions is expected to be among candidates from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing), the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed Oikyabodho Shikkharthi Jote, the Samajtantrik Chhatra Front-backed Boishommo Birodhi Chhatra Sangsad (Anti-Discrimination Students’ Union), the Swatantra Shikharthi Jote led by Umama Fatema, and the Protirodh Parshad panel supported by seven left-leaning student organisations.

For the first time, the Dhaka University administration has decided to keep polling centres outside the dormitories.

Voting is being conducted using Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets. In the combined DUCSU and hall union elections, each voter must cast a total of 41 votes.

Among the 471 posts in DUCSU, 45 candidates are contesting for Vice President (VP), 19 for General Secretary (GS), and 25 for Assistant General Secretary (AGS).

In addition, 17 candidates are vying for Liberation War and Democratic Movements Secretary, 12 for Science and Technology Secretary, 11 for Common Room, Reading Room, and Cafeteria Secretary, 14 for International Affairs Secretary, 19 for Literature and Cultural Affairs Secretary, 9 for Research and Publication Secretary, 13 for Sports Secretary, 12 for Student Transport Secretary, 17 for Social Welfare Secretary, 15 for Career Development Secretary, 15 for Health and Environment Secretary, and 11 for Human Rights and Law Secretary. For the 13 members’ posts, as many as 217 candidates are in the running.

Voting has begun in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections. The polling started today, Tuesday, at 8:00 am across eight centres and will continue until 4:00 pm.

Around 7:30 in the morning, ballot boxes at each polling centre were sealed in front of journalists. This time, DUCSU has a total of 39,874 voters — 18,959 from five female dormitories and 20,915 from 13 male dormitories.

In the DUCSU election, 471 candidates are contesting for 28 posts, including 62 female candidates. For the 18 hall unions, each with 13 posts, there are a total of 234 posts. A total of 1,035 candidates are in the running for these positions.

Abidul Islam Khan, Vice-President candidate from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD)-backed panel in the DUCSU election, entered the polling centre at the university’s Physical Education Centre.

Abidul entered the centre around 8:30 am where students of Jagannath Hall were casting their votes.

Speaking about this, Returning Officer Kazi Mostak Gausul Hoq had told Prothom Alo via phone in the morning, “Candidates don’t have any scope to enter polling centres. I was at Zahurul Haque’s centre. I am not aware of the matter. I am looking into it.”

Later, Prothom Alo correspondent talked to Returning Officer Kazi Mostak Gausul Hoq at the Jagannath Hall polling centre. He said, “Since I arrived here, I have not seen anyone enter, and no one else will be allowed in.”

However, according to Section 12(b) of the election code of conduct, only election officials, candidates, polling agents, and persons authorised by the returning officer are permitted to enter polling centres—meaning candidates are indeed allowed access.

Earlier, VP candidate Abidul Islam Khan had told newspersons that he had entered the polling centre with the returning officer’s permission.

Attempts to obtain a formal statement from Returning Officer Kazi Mostak Gausul Hoq around noon were unsuccessful.

Correction: In the live coverage published on Prothom Alo English online at 9:20 am, it was mistakenly reported that Abidul Islam Khan, VP candidate of the Chhatra Dal panel, had entered the centre in breach of rules. As per the election code of conduct, candidates are permitted to enter polling centres. We apologise for this unintentional error.

Rakibul Islam, a student of the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, came to cast his vote at the Curzon Hall polling centre of Dhaka University.

Standing in line, he told Prothom Alo, “I feel a lot of emotions about voting. This is my first time voting in the DUCSU elections. The future of Dhaka University depends on our votes.”

Rakibul added, “We stayed up like doing homework before the exam and selected 41 candidates out of 526. Then we came here to vote. I hope the candidates we support win.”

Abu Baker Mojumdar, General Secretary (GS) candidate from the Boishommobirodhi Chhatra Sangsad (Anti-Discrimination Student Union) panel, visited the TSC (Teacher-Student Centre) polling centre on Tuesday morning.

Speaking to newspersons, Abu Baker Mojumder said, “Polling has commenced in a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere. At every centre, we have observed long queues of voters. We are hopeful that the students of Dhaka University will choose their rightful leadership.”

He expressed optimism about a positive outcome, adding that all candidates would accept the verdict delivered by the student body.

Nafisa Anjum, a Zoology student at Dhaka University, came to the TSC centre to cast her vote in the DUCSU election.

Standing in a long queue, she told Prothom Alo, “I was so excited that I woke up early to come and vote. I could hardly sleep last night. This is the first time in my life I am voting in an election. The queue is quite long, and I am waiting for my turn to enter the booth. I hope I will be able to choose the candidate I prefer.”

Meanwhile, Arpita Saha, a student of the Department of Dance at Dhaka University, was also casting her vote for the first time.

“This is my very first election. I came early thinking the lines would be less crowded, yet I still found myself at the end of a long queue. But fulfilling my democratic right gives me a truly unique and uplifting feeling,” she told Prothom Alo.

Abidul Islam Khan, Vice-President candidate from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD)-backed panel, has stated that he wished to celebrate the election rather than dwelling on complaints.

Speaking to newspersons in front of the Curzon Hall polling centre shortly before 10:00 am on Tuesday, he addressed allegations that he had entered the polling station at the university’s Physical Education Centre in breach of regulations.

“I entered only with the permission of the Returning Officer,” Abidul told Prothom Alo outside the TSC polling centre.

Shaikh Tanvir Baree Hamim, general secretary (GS) candidate from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal panel, said that only 45 minutes had passed since the start of voting and the environment at the election had so far been good.

Speaking around 8:45 am on Tuesday, Shaikh Tanvir expressed hope that the positive atmosphere would continue until the end of the scheduled voting period.

He also said he is fully confident about winning.

Addressing students, he emphasised that the presence of non-residential students in particular could change the situation and urged everyone to come and exercise their right to vote.

Responding to journalists’ questions about his voting experience, Tanvir said it took him 10 to 12 minutes to cast his vote.

He noted that due to the large number of candidates, voting was taking slightly longer and suggested that increasing the number of booths would improve the process.

Students from Rokeya Hall have been casting their votes in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections at the Teacher–Student Centre (TSC). As many as 700 ballots were cast at the centre between 8:00 am and 9:00 am on Tuesday.

Voting is taking place in two venues within the TSC—the cafeteria and the indoor games room.

Of the first-hour tally, 420 votes were cast in the cafeteria and 280 in the games room. The total electorate at this centre is 5,641.

Speaking to Prothom Alo about the overall situation, Returning Officer Professor Nasrin Sultana said, “The female students are coming forward enthusiastically to cast their votes. That is why long queues have been created. Everyone is voting without hindrance. At this pace, we may well conclude polling before the scheduled closing time.”

Bin Yamin Mollah, vice president (VP) candidate and president of the Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, said, “I myself have fasted and struggled for DUCSU. After many fights and struggles, we have finally reached this election.”

I hope every student at Dhaka University will come to vote. Through voting, they can choose the candidates they support, he added.

Bin Yamin Mollah made these remarks on Tuesday morning while visiting the polling centre set up at the Department of Geology.

Commenting on the long queues of voters at the centre, he said, “If the university administration wanted, they could have set up more polling centres. Then students wouldn’t have had to stand in such long lines. The administration should have also considered what would happen to students if it rains.”

SM Farhad, General Secretary candidate of the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed panel, Oikyaboddho Shikkharthi Jote (Unified Students’ Alliance), has alleged that several irregularities have taken place in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election.

He further said that despite being informed, the Election Commission has failed to act and is behaving in a biased manner.

Speaking to newspersons after casting his vote at the Udayan School polling centre shortly after 9:30 am on Tuesday, Farhad made the allegations.

The GS candidate stated that the organisation Islami Andolon Bangladesh had lodged a complaint that their polling agent at the ULAB School & College centre was expelled, and access has been given to a Chhatra Dal agent.

“Such complaints are deeply concerning,” he remarked.

He further alleged, “This type of behaviour by the administration is highly partial. Just as in the past, the administration has remained silent on these matters. Even after concerns were raised about Chhatra Dal’s activities, the immediate action that was required was not taken. Such a passive stance is truly regrettable.”

Meghmollar Basu, General Secretary candidate from the Protirodh Porshod (Resistance Council) panel, has come to cast his vote at the Physical Education Centre polling station in the DUCSU election.

He entered the centre in a wheelchair with the assistance of an aide at around 11:00 am on Tuesday.

Khairul Hasan, general secretary (GS) candidate of the Islamic Chhatra Somaj Bangladesh’s Socheton Shikkharthi Sangsad panel, has alleged that polling agents were barred from entering a DUCSU voting centre.

He made the claim on Tuesday around 10:30 am in front of the Udayan Higher Secondary School polling centre.

Khairul Hasan said, “We appointed polling agents at each centre. We received their ID cards last night. This morning, when my agent tried to enter the U Lab centre with the card, it was found that those in charge were not allowing my panel’s agent inside. When we asked for an explanation, the officials said they received a list last night and would only allow the agents whose names appear on that list to enter.”

He added that he had seen the list himself. Out of the 10 names on it, six belonged to agents of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal panel candidates, one to Bangladesh Ganotantrik Chhatro Sangsad, and two were independents.

Khairul Hasan alleged that the Chhatra Dal panel was being given preferential treatment at the centre.

“While six Chhatra Dal agents were allowed inside, only one agent from our panel was not permitted to enter,” he said.

Nearly 35 per cent of voters cast their ballots at the Udayan Higher Secondary School polling centre over three hours, from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, on Tuesday in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections.

Returning Officer Tariq Manzoor confirmed this figure at around 11:45 am.

The centre has a total electorate of 6,155. This includes 1,495 voters from Masterda Surja Sen Hall, 1,753 from Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall, 1,609 from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, and 1,298 from Kabi Jasim Uddin Hall.

Several voters noted that voting is taking slightly longer than usual due to the large number of candidates.

Shahriar Hossain, a student of Jasim Uddin Hall, told Prothom Alo after casting his vote, “Voting is taking a little time, especially for those who have not planned ahead. However, the overall atmosphere at the centre remains normal.”

Umama Fatema, vice president (VP) candidate of the Swatantra Shikkharthi Oikya panel, expressed strong confidence in her victory while emphasising her demand for a fair election.

She cast her vote at the Department of Geology polling centre of Dhaka University and spoke to journalists around 11:20 am after leaving the centre on Tuesday.

Commenting on student response, Umama Fatema said, “We are receiving a good response from students. Any allegations of code-of-conduct violations should be taken seriously by the election commission. We want a free and fair election.”

On voter turnout, she added, “Student participation is good. We hope that more than 30,000 votes will be cast.”

Umama Fatema also alleged that polling agents had been reassigned incorrectly.

“Agents we had assigned to the women’s hall were sent to the men’s hall, and vice versa. Although the administration promised to resolve this in the morning, they did not. We had to come in person to fix the disorder,” she said.

She further emphasised the importance of transparency, “We should be informed of the reasons for the removal of the polling agents. They are present during vote counting, and if any allegations of bias arise, we need to be able to report them.”

Regarding the voting process, she criticised the limited number of polling centres and long queues. “Students coming to vote have no place to keep their phones or bags. There was supposed to be hand sanitiser and water for them, but the administration did not provide it,” she said.

A polling officer assigned to the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections has been relieved of his duties.

The information was announced in a press release issued by the university’s Public Relations Office around 12:00 pm on Tuesday.

According to the press release, signed by Deputy Director of Public Relations Faruque Mahmud, polling officer Ziaur Rahman was immediately removed from duty after he unintentionally handed two ballot papers to a student voter at the Amar Ekushey Hall polling centre, located on the second floor of Curzon Hall.

The release added that the voter himself recognised it as an unintentional mistake. Nonetheless, the administration acted promptly to resolve the matter as soon as it was reported.

The university administration reiterated in the statement its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and impartial election.

A journalist, Thriqul Islam Shibli, 40, died while covering the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election inside Curzon Hall.

He was working as a city reporter for Channel S Television. 

Around 1:30 pm on Tuesday, he was found unconscious and rushed to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where physicians declared him dead.

Inspector Md Faruk, in charge of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital police camp, said physicians suspected that he had died of a cardiac arrest.

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka

Meghmollar Basu, General Secretary candidate from the Protirodh Porshod (Resistance Council) panel in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, has said that the progressive forces represented on the ballot will emerge victorious.

He made the remarks to newspersons at around 11:45 am on Tuesday outside the indoor games room of the Physical Education Centre. Earlier, he entered the centre to cast his vote there around 11:00 am.

“Actually, we are positive about the outcome. We believe that the progressive forces on the ballot will win,” Meghmollar Basu said.

Describing the experience of casting his first vote in a DUCSU election as extraordinary, he recalled that during the last polls he had queued for six hours but had been unable to vote due to “line-jamming”.

“This time, whether because I am a candidate or because of my physical condition, I was able to vote at once,” he stated.

“I went, I voted, I chose my preferred candidate. That very act—this is what the July Uprising has delivered. The fact that we are able to vote marks the beginning of a Bangladesh of voting rights. Whatever the result may be, this is an immensely positive achievement,” Meghmollar added.

Asked how confident he was about his own prospects, he said the matter was in the hands of the voters. He was doing his best, and the final outcome would be seen in due course.

However, he admitted he was deeply moved by the response he was receiving from people.

“I am 27 years old. I have never cast a vote in my life. Today I was able to cast my very first vote. After doing so, I already feel as though I have won. Whatever the election result may be, that does not matter,” he remarked.

Calling on students to turn out and exercise their franchise, Meghmollar urged, “Vote for whomever you like, but please come and vote. Non-residential students, please, please—if you sit out today, you will regret the result for the next one and a half years.”

Meghmollar Basu, General Secretary candidate from the Protirodh Porshod (Resistance Council) panel in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, has said that the progressive forces represented on the ballot will emerge victorious.

He made the remarks to newspersons at around 11:45 am on Tuesday outside the indoor games room of the Physical Education Centre. Earlier, he entered the centre to cast his vote there around 11:00 am.

“Actually, we are positive about the outcome. We believe that the progressive forces on the ballot will win,” Meghmollar Basu said.

* Read the report in detail

In the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, 3,300 students had cast their votes at the Teacher–Student Centre (TSC) polling station by 1:30 pm on Tuesday.

This amounts to around 58 per cent of registered voters there.

The information was confirmed to Prothom Alo by Returning Officer Nasrin Sultana.

She said that at the 12 cafeteria booths of TSC, some 2,100 votes had been cast, while 1,200 students had voted in the indoor games room.

The students of Rokeya Hall, which has a total electorate of 5,665, have been casting their votes at the TSC centre.

Commenting on the overall situation, Nasrin Sultana said, “The girls are coming spontaneously to cast their votes. By 1:30 pm, 58 per cent of the voters here had voted. Everyone is voting without hindrance.”

Meanwhile, at the Physical Education Centre, which has 4,861 registered voters from Jagannath Hall, Shahid Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall and SM Hall, the turnout reached 78 per cent—or 3,786 votes—by 2:30 pm.

According to hall provosts, Jagannath Hall recorded 1,726 votes out of 2,229 (77 per cent), Zahurul Haque Hall 1,575 out of 1,963 (80 per cent), and SM Hall 485 out of 669 (72 per cent).

These figures were separately confirmed by Jagannath Hall Provost Debashish Paul, SM Hall Provost Abdullah Al Mamun, and Zahurul Haque Hall Provost Faruq Shah.

Abidul Islam, Vice-President (VP) candidate from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) panel in the DUCSU election, has alleged that attempts were made to obstruct his participation in the polls.

He made the remarks to journalists around 2:00 pm on Tuesday, after casting his vote.

Describing what he called a fresh attempt to erode democracy, human rights and freedom of expression, he said, “I have just exercised my franchise, but the atmosphere does not feel conducive.”

He urged those yet to vote to come forward and do so.

Abidul further alleged that at noon pre-filled ballot papers were handed to students at Amar Ekushey Hall and Rokeya Hall.

He also said he had verified the claims.

In the face of such undesirable incidents, the Election Commission and the university authorities have failed to take any action, he added.

He also stated that although the DUCSU code of conduct clearly grants candidates access to polling centres, rumours had been spread against him in the media.

Addressing journalists, he said, “You must verify information carefully before publishing.”

Voter turnout was more than 70 per cent votes at various centers, said the Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan said around 3:00 pm.

He claimed that there is no lack of transparency in the DUCSU election.

Visiting three centers at the Senate Building around 3:00 pm, the VC told journalists that already more than 70 per cent of votes have been cast in different centers. Students who remain in line after 4:00 pm will also be allowed to vote.

VC Niaz Ahmed said, “A small problem occurred at Curzon Hall by mistake. We immediately took action for that. Still, we will re-investigate this incident, and if anyone is found involved, action will be taken.”

It is to mention that a voter was handed two ballots at Curzon Hall. Later, the polling officer was withdrawn.

Regarding the allegation of handing a ballot marked with a ‘cross sign’ to a voter at the TSC center, the VC said, “We immediately took necessary action here too.”

Mentioning that the DUCSU election has now become a demand of the country, the VC said, “We hope that both the winner and the victorious candidate will accept the results. They will acknowledge that there is no lack of transparency anywhere.”

Earlier, Dhaka University Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Saima Haque Bidisha visited three centers at the Senate Building around 2:30 pm. She told Prothom Alo, “Students are able to vote in a joyful environment. There is still time. Voters are also coming. I hope a significant number of votes will be cast.”

Abidul Islam Khan, Vice President (VP) candidate from Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) panel in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections, has alleged that some negative incidents have occurred.

He said, “Negativity has happened. We have received allegations of vote rigging since the noon. I myself went to the centre at Amar Ekushey Hall. I found evidence there. I spoke to them very politely. They also admitted that yes, an incident had occurred. The same situation is in Ruqayyah Hall. They are saying incidents have taken place.”

Abidul Islam Khan made the remarks while speaking to journalists at around 3:30 pm today, Tuesday, after visiting the polling center at SM Hall located in the Physical Education Center of Dhaka University.

Abidul Islam said polling agents had been barred from the morning, and they were harassed while distributing panel sheets outside the polling centres. Only for distributing the panel’s code numbers, a candidate for the post of Cultural Secretary from Ruqayyah Hall was threatened by a teacher that her studentship would be terminated. Such violent behaviour is not expected from a teacher. Yet, he distributed Shibir’s materials.

Regarding the allegations of vote rigging, this VP candidate said that they are worried. A written complaint has been submitted to the Election Commission in this regard. He further said that they are showing the utmost patience regarding this matter.

He said the university administration must take action regarding the rigging. There is no scope to let it go.

Replying to a query from journalists about distributing leaflets by JCD candidates near the poling centres, Abidul Islam said it is not possible for voters to remember the names of 41 candidates. This should not be considered a violation of the code of conduct or extremism.

He expressed condolences over the death of a journalist who came to collect reports on the DUCSU election.

A chaos broke out at the DUCSU election’s TSC polling center when supporters of Rafiz Khan, the Student Transport Secretary candidate from Umama Fatema’s panel, protested after he was not allowed to enter, while Abu Sadik Kayem, VP candidate from Chhatra Shibir-backed panel, and Abidul Islam, VP candidate from Chhatra Dal-supported panel, were allowed in. Later, supporters of the Chhatra Dal-backed panel also joined the protest.

The incident took place around 3:45 pm in front of the Janata Bank booth at TSC.

When asked, Rafiz Khan told Prothom Alo, “I have been trying to enter TSC since afternoon but I was not allowed. Yet, Abidul Islam, VP candidate of Chhatra Dal, and Abu Sadik Kayem, VP candidate of Chhatra Shibir, were allowed to enter. Not only that, ten more people went inside along with Sadik Kayem.”

“When the matter was informed to the teacher on duty, he denied that others had entered with Sadik Kayem. That’s why we expressed our instant anger,” he added.

Later, Abu Sadik Kayem told journalists at the Payra Chattar,, “Voting has been taking place in a festive atmosphere since the morning. But we have seen that a quarter is conspiring to sabotage the election. We have seen outsiders crowding near different polling centres. We must remain united against those who are conspiring. Whatever verdict the students give, we will certainly accept it.”

Voting for the DUCSU election began at 8:00am today, Tuesday, and ended at 4:00pm. Later, returning officers provided preliminary figures, reporting the following voter turnout;

Curzon Hall centre: Over 80pc

Physical Education Centre: 83pc

TSC centre: 69pc

Dhaka University Club centre: 67pc

Udayan School centre: 84–85pc

Department of Geology centre: 65pc and

University Laboratory centre: 65.25pc

Chhatra Dal has alleged that since noon, leaders and activists of Jamaat-Shibir have taken positions at eight gates of Dhaka University centering the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election.

A delegation of Chhatra Dal led by its president Rakibul Islam and general secretary Nasir Uddin went to Dhaka University around 5:30 pm today, Tuesday, and made this allegation.

On behalf of Chhatra Dal, three complaints were raised to the university administration. These include: the widespread presence of Jamaat-Shibir activists at eight entry points of the university, involvement of top officials of the administration with Jamaat, and vote rigging in the election.

During the verbal submission of the complaints to the administration, Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, along with Pro-Vice-Chancellors, the Treasurer, and other concerned officials, were present.

Abidul Islam Khan, Vice President (VP) candidate of Chhatra Dal–backed panel, has alleged that the Dhaka University administration has failed in its duty during the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election.

He said that if even the slightest attempt is made to manipulate the vote counting, or if there is any effort to suppress students’ right to express their opinions, the students will resist it.

He made these remarks at a press conference at Madhur Canteen, Dhaka University today evening.

Abidul Islam Khan said, “We have repeatedly found evidence that the university administration has failed to perform its duties properly. We have witnessed multiple irregularities in today’s election.

“Students at Ruqayyah Hall and Amar Ekushey Hall have complained that ballots given to them already had votes marked in favour of specific candidates. With the permission of the Chief Returning Officer, we personally inspected and saw such ballots. Our agents and candidates have been repeatedly harassed,” he said.

Abu Baker Mojumdar, president of Bangladesh Democratic Students’ Union and general secretary candidate of Anti-Discrimination Student Union panel, has alleged that BNP standing committee member Mirza Abbas entered Dhaka University today.

He made the allegation at a press briefing in front of Curzon Hall, Dhaka University, at 6:30 pm today, Tuesday.

Abu Baker Mojumdar said, “Mirza Abbas has no connection with the DUCSU election. But Mirza Abbas entering here today means a different message is going to the people of the country. Mirza Abbas has no scope and right to enter the campus today. The biggest question is why he entered.”

Abu Baker Majumdar also claimed that many BNP leaders and activists gathered near the entrances of Dhaka University. He questioned whether these leaders and activists were brought in by Mirza Abbas.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has dismissed the allegation made by Abu Baker Mojumdar. He termed the claim that he entered the Dhaka University area today as a 'tall tale.'

When asked whether he had visited the Dhaka University area this afternoon, Mirza Abbas told Prothom Alo in the evening, “I just came from the university; if I could have said that, it would have felt good.”

He added, “What can I say, brother, with what’s happening in the country. It’s a tall tale. I was at my Tejgaon office. Now I am going from Tejgaon to Gulshan to the Chairperson’s office for a Standing Committee meeting.”

SM Farhad, the General Secretary (GS) candidate of the Islami Chhatra Shibir-supported panel in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections, has alleged that they were not allowed to enter various centres until noon.

He raised this allegation on Tuesday evening at a post-election press conference in front of the Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of the university.

SM Farhad said, “Since morning it was said that none of central candidates would be allowed to enter any booth except for casting their own vote at their respective centres. This directive was being given to us from the Election Commission. Because of this, none of our candidates could enter until noon. We were not allowed to enter.”

“But we noticed, the VP candidate of the Chhatra Dal panel, Abid bhai (Abidul Islam Khan), was entering each centre, each booth one by one from 8:00 am in the morning. He was entering and observing in different centers even before voting began. But when we tried to go, we were barred.”

He alleged that ballots were being stamped in favour of Chhatra Dal’s hall and central panel candidates and then put into the ballot box at the Amar Ekushey Hall booth in collusion with officials and Chhatra Dal. He said, “To cover up this fraud, they staged a drama at the Ruqayyah Hall booth.”

Farhad alleged that after staging the drama at Rokeya Hall booth, when they could not cover it up, Chhatra Dal physically mistreated a teacher.

He criticised the administration for not allowing journalists to enter the ULAB centre between 8:00 am and 10:00 am in the morning.

Alleging that Chhatra Dal misbehaved with the university administration in the afternoon to cover up vote rigging and irregularities, SM Farhad said, “…no student of the university should point fingers at teachers, bang on tables, create mobs, and speak in such a manner. We had seen this kind of behaviour earlier from Chhatra League.”

At the press conference, VP candidate Sadik Kayem said, “Our position is clear. The university administration must take action against those who want to sabotage the election. They must be arrested and handed over to the police.”

Abdul Kader, Vice President (VP) candidate of Anti-Discrimination Student Union, has alleged that the election is a power-sharing arrangement between Chhatra Dal and Shibir. He made this allegation on Tuesday night at a press conference at TSC.

Accusing the administration of biased behaviour cantering the DUCSU election, Abdul Kader said, “Shadik Kayem (the VP candidate of Chhatra Shibir) went inside the polling centre and did the mechanism, while Chhatra Dal did the mechanism from outside.”

Abdul Kader alleged that the DUCSU election is not for students but essentially a calculation and power-sharing election between Jamaat-BNP, Chhatra Dal, and Shibir.

He said, “We have said from the beginning that this Election Commission is completely incompetent and subservient.

“They are divided into two groups—one worked in favour of Chhatra Dal, the other in favour of Shibir. From campaigning to nomination papers, they imposed many restrictions, yet candidates violated rules, but the commission did not take any action,” he added.

All classes and examinations at Dhaka University (DU) will remain suspended tomorrow, Wednesday (10 September).

Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, acting director of the Public Relations Office of Dhaka University, announced this today, Tuesday, in a press release.

Chief Returning Officer Professor Mohammad Jasim Uddin has said that the results of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections will be announced tonight, Tuesday.

While vote counting has progressed in some centers, it is lagging behind in others, Professor Jasim Uddin told Prothom Alo around 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday.

Vote counting is now underway after voting to the DUCSU and hall union elections were held today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.,

However, candidates from various panels, including the Chhatra Dal, have already staged protests on campus alleging vote rigging.

A confrontational situation has arisen on the campus cantering the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections, said Tasnim Afroze Emi, vice president (VP) candidate of Protirodh Parishad.

She made this remark at an emergency press conference in front of Madhur Canteen, Dhaka University on Tuesday at around 9:30 pm. The press conference was organised to address the overall situation following the DUCSU elections.

Tasnim Afroze said, “A confrontational situation has arisen created on campus, jeopardising the safety of students. Any attempt at vote rigging will not be accepted by the student community. Students will exercise their democratic rights through voting.”

“But this process has been made complicated. From the election code of conduct to various aspects, the university administration has acted with bias. Even when the code of conduct was violated, no action was taken,” she added.

As the vote counting is underway following peaceful ballot casting in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has requested everyone not to gather unnecessarily at the university entry points.

The DMP said this in a SMS (short message service) on Tuesday night.

The DMP said that no unwanted incidents were reported during the voting, which began Tuesday morning. After voting ended, counting started at various centres of the university. During the vote counting, large numbers of curious people began to gather at different university entrances. So, the DMP has requested the general public to cooperate to maintain normalcy and avoid unnecessary crowds.

Students are waiting for the results of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election. A large number of students were seen waiting both inside and outside the university’s Senate building around 1:30 a.m. Many students were expressing excitement.

Earlier, voting was held on Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Leaders of the rival panels held press conferences and made various counter-allegations after the voting concluded.

The results of the Curzon Hall polling centre in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections have been announced. The announcement begun shortly after 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.

As per the announcement, Abu Shadik Kayem received 644 votes from Amar Ekushey Hall in the VP post while Abidul Islam bagged 141 votes; Umama Fatema 90; Shamim Hossain 111; Abdul Kader 36; and Bin Yamin Molla 1 vote.

In the same hall, Farhad Hossain received 466 votes for the general secretary (GS) post; Megh Mallar Basu 86; Abu Bakar Mojumdar 147; and Tanvir Bari Hamim 180 votes.

At the Curzon Hall polling center, Abu Sadiq Kayem received 841 votes from the Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall for the DUCSU vice president (VP) post while Abidul Islam begged 181 votes; Umama Fatema 153; Shamim Hossain 141; Abdul Kader 47; and Bin Yamin Molla 6 votes.

In the same hall, for the general secretary (GS) post, Farhad Hossain received 589 votes; Megh Mallar Basu 99; Abu Bakar Mojumdar 341; and Tanvir Bari Hamim 228 votes.

Students of Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah Hall also cast their votes at the Curzon Hall polling centre. According to the results, Shadik Kayem received 966 votes for the DUCSU vice president (VP) post while Abidul Islam secured 199 votes; Umama Fatema 140; Shamim Hossain 161; Abdul Kader 56; and Bin Yamin Molla 6 votes.

In the same hall, Farhad Hossain received 773 votes for the general secretary (GS) post while Megh Mallar Basu 125; Abu Bakar Mojumdar 241; and Tanvir Bari Hamim 249 votes.

Like at the Curzon Hall polling centre, Shadik Kayem secured the highest number of votes at the Geology Department polling centre where students of Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall cast their votes in the DUCSU election.

As per the announcement of the results, Shadik Kayem from Shibir-backed panel received 1,270 votes from Sufia Kamal hall, followed by Umama Fatema of the Independent Students’ Unity panel with 547 votes. Independent candidate Shamim Hossain received 485 votes, while Abidul Islam of the Chhatra Dal secured 423 votes. Abdul Kader, the VP candidate from the Anti-Discrimination Student Union, received 55 votes.

Like at the Curzon Hall polling centre, Shadik Kayem secured the highest number of votes at the Geology Department polling centre where students of Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall cast their votes in the DUCSU election.

As per the announcement of the results, Shadik Kayem from Shibir-backed panel received 1,270 votes from Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall, followed by Umama Fatema of the Independent Students’ Unity panel with 547 votes. Independent candidate Shamim Hossain received 485 votes, while Abidul Islam of the Chhatra Dal secured 423 votes. Abdul Kader, the VP candidate from the Anti-Discrimination Student Union, received 55 votes.

For the general secretary (GS) post, SM Forhad of Shibir-backed panel secured 964 votes. He was followed by Meghmallar Bosu of the Pratirodh Parishad panel with 507 votes. In addition, Arafat Chowdhury received 498 votes; Chhatra Dal’s GS candidate Tanvir Bari Hamim received 402 votes; and Abu Bakar Mojumdar of the Anti-Discrimination Student Union secured 216 votes.

The results of the University Laboratory School and College polling centre have been announced. Only students from Shamsunnahar Hall voted at this center. The total number of voters at this centre is 4,096, of which 2,607 cast their votes.

As per the announcement, Shibir’s Abu Shadik Kayem received 1,114 votes in the DUCSU Vice President (VP) post while Abidul Islam received 434 votes, Umama Fatema 403; Shamim Hossain 412; Abdul Kader 59; and Bin Yamin Molla got 4 votes.

For the General Secretary (GS) position at this center, SM Farhad received 814 votes; Meghmallar Bosu – 517; Abu Baker Majumdar – 132; and Tanvir Bari Hamim – 312 votes.

Students from Jagannath Hall, Shahid Sergeant Zahurul Huq Hall, and Salimullah Muslim Hall voted at the Physical Education Center polling station for the DUCSU election.

The vote count for Jagannath Hall showed that, Chhatra Dal’s candidate Abidul Islam Khan received 1,276 votes for the Vice President (VP) post, while Shibir’s Shadik Kayem received 10 votes. Other candidates received: Umama Fatesa – 278; Abdul Kader – 21; Bin Yamin Molla – 5; Shamim Hossain – 171; and Tasnim Afroze Emi – 11 votes.

For the General Secretary (GS) position, Meghmallar Bosu received 1,170 votes, while SM Farhad  bagged 5 votes; Tanvir Bari Hamim 398; Arafat Chowdhury  169; and Abu Baker Mojumdar secured 27 votes.

Students from Ruqayyah Hall voted at the TSC polling centre for the DUCSU election. The results showed Shadik Kayem received the highest number of votes, totalling 1,472, followed by Shamim Hossain (684 votes), Umama Fatema (614) and Abidul Islam (575 votes).

For the General Secretary (GS) post, SM Farhad received 1,120 votes. Other candidates received: Arafat Chowdhury – 664; Megh Mallar Bosu – 780; Tanvir Bari Hamim – 447; and Abu Baker Mojumdar – 241 votes.

Students from three halls -- Sir A.F. Rahman Hall, Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, and Bijoy Ekattor Hall cast votes at the Senate Building polling center for the DUCSU election.

The results showed that Sadik Kayem received 602 votes for the DUCSU Vice President (VP) position at F. Rahman Hall. Other candidates received: Abidul Islam – 186; Umama Fatema – 79; Abdul Kader – 91; and Shamim Hossain – 122 votes.

For the General Secretary (GS) position, SM Farhad received 588 votes. Other candidates received: Meghmallar Bosu – 157; Abu Baker Mojumdar – 54; and Tanvir Bari Hamim – 245 votes.

Shadik Kayem, the Shibir-backed panel candidate, received 7,516 votes for the Vice President (VP) position from five of the eight centers in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election.

Chhatra Dal–supported panel candidate Abidul Islam received 3,653 votes, while Umama Fatema bagged 2,355 votes, and Shamim Hossain 2,409 votes.

These five polling centres are: Curzon Hall center, Physical Education center, TSC, Department of Geology center, and University Laboratory School and College center.

The other three polling centers are: the Senate Building Center, Udayan School and College Center, and Dhaka University Club Center.

Students from four halls – Kabi Jasimuddin Hall, Surja Sen Hall, Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall, and Jatir Janak Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall – cast their ballots at the Udayan School and College polling centre for the DUCSU election.

At Jasimuddin Hall, Shadik Kayem received 647 votes for the Vice President (VP) post while Abidul Islam bagged 187 votes, Umama Fatema 62, Abdul Kader 55, Shamim Hossain 94 and and Bin Yamin Molla got four votes.

For the General Secretary (GS) post, SM Farhad received 540 votes. Other candidates received: Tanvir Bari Hamim – 255; Megh Mallar Bosu – 81; and Abu Baker Majumdar – 67 votes.

At Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall, Shadik Kayem bagged 674 votes for VP post while and Abidul Islam received 248 votes, Umama Fatema 151, Shamim Hossain 131 and Abdul Kader got 70 votes.

For the General Secretary (GS) position, SM Farhad received 544 votes, Tanvir Bari Hamim 334 votes, and Meghmallar Bosu 176 votes.

At Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, Shadik Kayem received 842 votes for VP post. Other candidates received: Abidul Islam – 238; Umama Fatema – 69; Abdul Kader – 67; Bin Yamin Molla – 11; and Shamim Hossain – 122 votes.

For the General Secretary (GS) position at this hall, SM Farhad received 683 votes, while Meghmallar Bosu got 124 votes, Abu Baker Majumdar 81 and Tanvir Bari Hamim received 307 votes.

At Surja Sen Hall, Shadik Kayem received 769 votes for VP post, Abidul Islam 210, Umama Fatema 64, Abdul Kader 64, and Shamim Hossain bagged 121 votes.

For General Secretary (GS) position, SM Farhad received 568 votes. Other candidates received: Arafat Chowdhury – 164; Megh Mallar Bosu – 108; Abu Baker Majumdar – 66; and Tanvir Bari Hamim – 285 votes.

Shadik Kayem and SM Farhad of Islami Chhatra Shibir are leading for the Vice President (VP) and the General Secretary (GS) posts in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election.

As of 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, results from 16 halls across seven polling centers have been announced, showing Shadik Kayem and Farhad leading their competitors by a clear margin.

A total of eight polling centres were set up for the DUCSU election, where students from 18 halls cast their votes.

The polling centres are: Curzon Hall Centre, Physical Education Center, TSC, Department of Geology Centre, U Lab School and College Centre, Senate Building Centre, Udayan School and College Centre, and Dhaka University Club Centre.

At the Dhaka University Club polling centre, where students from Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall and Kuwait Maitree Hall cast their votes, vice president (VP) candidate Shadik Kayem once again received more votes than his rivals.

According to the announced results, in Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall Shadik Kayem secured 742 votes. His competitors received the following: Abidul Islam 227, Umama Fatema 223, Shamim Hossain 337, Abdul Kader 64, and Bin Yamin Mollah 12.

For the general secretary (GS) post in the same hall, SM Farhad received 595 votes, Megh Mallar Basu 312, Abu Baker Mojumder 93, and Tanvir Baree Hamim 229.

In Kuwait Maitree Hall, Shadik Kayem obtained 626 votes, while Abidul Islam received 210, Umama Fatema 226, Shamim Hossain 233, Abdul Kader 47, and Bin Yamin Mollah 6.

For the GS position in this hall, SM Farhad secured 458 votes, followed by Megh Mallar Basu with 275, Tanvir Baree Hamim with 179, and Abu Baker Mojumder with 64.

The final results of the DUCSU elections are being announced. Chief Returning Officer Professor Mohammad Zashim Uddin is declaring the final results from the Senate Building of Dhaka University today, Wednesday.

He said, “By now everyone is already aware of the results. What remains is the formal announcement.”

In the DUCSU elections, Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Shadik Kayem has been elected Vice-President (VP) with 14,042 votes.

His closest rival, Abidul Islam Khan of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, secured 5,708 votes.

Independent candidate Umama Fatema secured 3,389 votes, while another independent candidate, Shamim Hossain, obtained 3,884 votes.

For the post of General Secretary (GS), Chhatra Shibir leader SM Forhad was elected with 10,794 votes. His closest rival, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader Tanvir Baree Hamim, got 5,283 votes, while Meghmallar Bosu of the Protirodh Porshod secured 4,949 votes.

For the post of Assistant General Secretary (AGS), Chhatra Shibir leader Md. Mohiuddin Khan was elected with 11,772 votes.

The AGS candidate from Chhatra Dal, Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed, obtained 5,064 votes, while Ashrefa Khatun, contesting as the AGS candidate from the Anti-Discrimination Students’ Union panel, bagged 900 votes.

The announcement of the DUCSU election results began today, Wednesday, at 8:30 am at the Senate Building of Dhaka University.

Vote counting started at 8:00 am on Tuesday and concluded at 4:00 pm.

Out of the 12 secretary posts in the DUCSU elections, candidates from the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed panel have secured nine.

The remaining three posts have gone to independent candidates.

Including the VP, GS and AGS, DUCSU comprises 28 positions, of which 13 are membership posts. Results for the membership posts are still being announced.

Those elected are as follows:

Vice President (VP) – Abu Shadik Kayem

General Secretary (GS) – S. M. Forhad

Assistant General Secretary (AGS) – Md. Mohiuddin Khan

Liberation War and Democratic Movements Affairs Secretary – Fatema Tasnim Juma

Science and Technology Affairs Secretary – Iqbal Haider

Common Room, Reading Room and Cafeteria Affairs Secretary – Umme Salma

International Affairs Secretary – Jasim Uddin Khan

Literature and Cultural Affairs Secretary – Musaddiq Ali Ibne Mohammad (Independent)

Research and Publications Affairs Secretary – Sanjida Ahmed Tonbi (Independent)

Sports Secretary – Arman Hossain

Student Transport Secretary – Asif Abdullah

Social Service Secretary – Jubair Bin Nessary (Independent)

Career Development Secretary – Mazharul Islam

Health and Environment Secretary – M. M. Al Minhaj

Human Rights and Legal Affairs Secretary – Md. Zakaria

Islami Chhatra Shibir leader SM Farhad expressed his reactions after being elected the General Secretary (GS) in the DUCSU elections.

He said, “From my personal observation, being elected as GS represents the victory of all Dhaka University students. There is no scope to regard it as the victory of Farhad as an individual.”

Farhad added that the trust of all students has now been vested in them.

He said that during his tenure, if he makes any mistakes, the students of the university should correct him.

He also made it clear that there would be no victory procession.

Farhad shared these remarks today, Wednesday, at the Senate Building of Dhaka University.

Shadik Kayem, newly elected Vice-President (VP) in the DUCSU elections, has pledged collective efforts regardless of political views.

“The aspirations of the students are our aspirations. We shall transform the campus into a dream campus,” he said.

VP Shadik Kayem described all those who contested the elections together as advisers, saying that they would provide guidance to the new leadership.

Recalling the July Revolution that began at Dhaka University, Kayem said the vision for a new Bangladesh would also be imagined from this campus.

He also extended his condolences to the family of the newsperson who lost his life while on carrying out his duties, and expressed gratitude to all members of the media.

Shadik Kayem, elected from the Chhatra Shibir-backed panel, made these remarks during a press conference on Wednesday morning at the Senate Building of Dhaka University.

In the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections, there were 13 membership posts. Candidates from the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed panel won 11 of these seats. One seat was secured by an independent candidate, and another by a leftist-supported candidate.

Winners from the Chhatra Shibir-backed panel

Sabikun Nahar Tamanna (10,084) votes

Sorbo Mitro Chakma (8,988) votes

Afsana Akter (5,747) votes

Raihan Uddin (5,082) votes

Tajinur Rahman (5,690) votes

Imran Hossain (6,256) votes

Miftahul Hossain Al-Maruf (5,015) votes

Md. Raisul Islam (4,535) votes

Shaheenur Rahman (4,390) votes

Anas Ibne Munir (5,015) votes

Md. Belal Hossain Apu (4,865) votes

Winner from the leftist-supported panel

Hema Chakma (4,908 votes) (Protirodh Porshod, representing seven leftist organisations)

Independent winner

Umma Uswatun Rafia (4,209 votes)

Extending his congratulations to the winners of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said, “Today I personally congratulate those who have won in the DUCSU elections. This is the norm of democracy.”

Stating that there had been certain irregularities in the election, Salahuddin Ahmed remarked, “Since this process has resumed after many years, there were some flaws and deviations.”

He made these comments while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organised to mark the 47th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal.

The programme was held at 11:00 am on Wednesday at the Muktijoddha Hall of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) in the capital’s Kakrail area.

The programme was hosted by the central committee of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Mahila Dal.