A group of eight Dhaka University (DU) teachers who voluntarily observed the Dhaka University Central Student’s Union (Ducsu) polls have demanded a fresh election, citing various incidents of irregularities.
The teachers, from different departments of DU, voiced the demand through a joint statement on Monday evening. Earlier in the afternoon, they had visited seven halls (five for males and two for females) where voting for the Ducsu polls was being held.
The halls that were visited are Salimullah Muslim Hall, Surja Sen Hall, Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, AF Rahman Hall, Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall, Rokeya Hall, and Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall. The teachers observed voting at the halls till 2pm.
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According to the joint statement sent by DU mass communication and journalism department Prof Fahmidul Haq, the teachers observed serious irregularities at the two female halls. While voting at the male halls was largely peaceful, there were still some irregularities outside the polling centres.
Demanding an investigation into the irregularities, the statement said: “These incidents have destroyed the image of the teachers of public universities, which are run with the tax payers’ money.”
Ballot stuffing reportedly took place at Kuwait Maitree Hall and Rokeya Hall, while activists of Chhatra League allegedly clashed with opposition leaders at the latter, according to the statement.
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Furthermore, groups of students were seen obstructing non-resident students from voting outside the male student’s halls, and a gathering by alleged Chhatra League men outside one of the centres delayed the voting process.
Meanwhile, some students reportedly took over 20 minutes to cast their votes inside booths, with the aim of wasting time, the statement said.
