Staff Reporter :
The chief returning officer for the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections, Professor Mohammad Jasim Uddin, on Thursday clarified that while the army could be sought for assistance if needed, there is currently no reason for concern over election security.
Speaking to reporters outside the returning office at the Senate Building around 3:30 p.m., Professor Jasim stressed that election security arrangements were already in place and that support from the army would only be considered as a last resort.
The clarification came amid a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), issued a day earlier, which categorically ruled out army involvement in the upcoming DUCSU and hall union elections or in any similar student polls in the future.
The ISPR statement noted that the army had “taken note” of media and social media reports about possible deployment but confirmed that no directive had been received from the government. “There is no scope for the Bangladesh Army to be involved in such responsibilities in the future,” the release said. It added that the army believes the elections can be held peacefully under the supervision of the university administration and law enforcement agencies, while also extending best wishes for a festive democratic exercise.
On Tuesday, Dhaka University authorities had announced a three-tier security plan for the polls following a meeting between the chief returning officer and candidates. Under the plan, members of the BNCC and the university’s proctorial team would constitute the first tier of security, the police would provide the second tier, and the army would serve as a “striking force” stationed at seven entry points to the campus.
The university’s release further stated that police would work under the directives of the returning officers on the election day. If required, the army would enter the campus to secure polling centers and remain deployed until results were announced.
The conflicting statements have raised questions about the practical role of the army in the upcoming student polls. While university authorities initially indicated that troops might be deployed as a precautionary measure, ISPR’s clarification underscored that the responsibility lies firmly with civilian law enforcement and the university administration.
The DUCSU and hall union elections are being closely watched as a key democratic exercise on campus, with authorities aiming to ensure that the voting process remains peaceful and transparent.
