Staff Reporter :
The long-awaited Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election is set to see participation from eight student panels after a six-year break. The election, scheduled for later this year, marks the first time since the last DUCSU polls that multiple panels will compete for leadership at the historic students’ body.
University sources said the panels represent a mix of major student organisations, including both political and non-political groups, promising a competitive race. Student leaders have already begun campaigning on campus, focusing on issues such as residential hall facilities, academic environment, and student rights.
Student organisations across political spectrum have nearly finalised their top candidates despite most panels yet to announce official lineups. Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal’s likely contenders include branch president Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahos and general secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon for top two posts.
Acting chairman Tarique Rahman expected to finalise complete panel featuring “clean image” leaders from street movement background. Bangladesh Ganotantrik Chhatra Sangsad presents Abdul Quader for VP and Abu Baker Majumdar for GS positions. Organisation emphasises including “faces of July mass uprising” whilst negotiations continue for remaining posts. Islami Chhatra Shibir considers central literature secretary Abu Sadik Kayem alongside DU branch president S M Farhad or secretary Mohiuddin Khan for leading roles.
Islami Chhatra Andolan stands as only organisation officially announcing panel: Yasin Arafat, VP, Khairul Ahsan Marjan, GS, and Saif Mohammad Alauddin, AGS. Organisation remains open to united participation reflecting July uprising spirit.
New formation “DUCSU for Change” emerges under Bangladesh Chhatra Adhikar Parishad president Bin Yamin Molla’s leadership, whilst leftist coalition Ganotantrik Chhatra Jote considers Meghmallar Basu, Zaber Ahmed Jubel and Mozammel Haque for top positions.
Independent panels include “Unity in Diversity” led by Jamaluddin Muhammad Khalid and potential “Student Unity” under Umama Fatema featuring DU Journalists’ Association president Mohiuddin Mujahid.
However, concerns mount over electoral fairness following Saturday’s ban on student politics in residential halls. Various organisation leaders fear level playing field being undermined ahead of crucial elections.
Chief returning officer Professor Dr Mohammad Jasim Uddin reassured commitment to equal opportunities, stating election commission wants “equal opportunity for everyone to campaign.” He acknowledged complications between administration and student organisations but expressed optimism for swift resolution through ongoing meetings.
