After years of dormancy, the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) is preparing for elections amid intense debates over constitutional reforms.
While the university administration has announced the formation of an election commission and introduced some amendments to address student concerns, major student organizations are holding high expectations—especially given that this is an interim government period and the elections are seen as a chance to address long-standing structural challenges.
However, the Ducsu election commission maintains that it does not see any problems so far.
The primary controversy centers on the Vice-Chancellor’s role as the ex-officio president of Ducsu—a position opposed by nearly all active student organizations.
Despite widespread student demands for the direct election of the Ducsu president, the final amended constitution retains the VC in this role, albeit with certain limitations on unilateral decision-making powers.
Major student organizations remain firm in their demand for foundational reforms.
Vice-Chancellor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan and Ducsu Chief Returning Officer Dr Mohammad Zashim Uddin confirmed to Dhaka Tribune that the amendments were approved by the university’s Syndicate, the highest policy-making body.
Dr Mohammad Zashim Uddin said approximately two months would be needed to hold the elections.
Ducsu, often dubbed the "second parliament of Bangladesh," has played a pivotal role in the country's political history—especially during the Language Movement, the 1970s pro-independence movement, and the 1971 Liberation War, where students were at the forefront. It has also produced many of the country’s future political leaders.
According to student leaders, the road to Ducsu elections is riddled with obstacles. One major concern is the lingering influence of former Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) members in dormitories. The legacy of past abuses and the general negative perception surrounding student politics—particularly under BCL—continues to affect student attitudes.
Despite these concerns, student organizations are cautiously optimistic. Many view this as a historic opportunity to build more transparent and participatory student governance, especially under the relatively neutral environment of an interim government. However, questions remain as to whether the structural issues at the heart of Ducsu have been adequately addressed.
Student proposals and university administration’s response
Almost all active student organizations have opposed the Vice-Chancellor remaining as Ducsu president by virtue of office.
"If we want a student-friendly Ducsu, essential reforms must be made to the constitution. We demanded a directly elected president," said Nahiduzzaman Shipon, General Secretary of the DU unit of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), speaking to Dhaka Tribune on Wednesday.
"If they’re even willing to consider giving Ducsu the authority to amend its own constitution, then we may move toward elections. Otherwise, even we aren’t sure what’s going to happen," said Meghmallar Bosu, President of the DU unit of Bangladesh Student Union (BSU).
Nonetheless, the finalized amended constitution retains the VC as Ducsu president, with some curbs on unilateral authority.
Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan told Dhaka Tribune on Thursday that most student proposals were accommodated.
"The VC will no longer make decisions unilaterally. Any such decision must now be approved by the Syndicate and Senate. Moreover, legal cases can be filed against the VC or Ducsu president," he said.
"From my side, I have tried to rationalize the VC’s power as much as possible."
However, some student leaders remain skeptical.
"While all organizations support reforms, there’s no unified move toward consensus on basic reforms. We reject the current framework used by the university administration," said Abdul Kader, Convener of the DU unit of Bangladesh Democratic Student Council (BDSC).
"We find the reform measures inadequate and unacceptable. The so-called consultations with the Syndicate or Executive Committee are vague, and the presence of the VC as chairperson in these forums remains effectively mandatory," said Mohiuddin Khan, General Secretary of the DU unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir.
Dr Mohammad Zashim Uddin, however, maintains a different view.
"The Ducsu president has never interfered with student representatives, and there is no historical record of such interventions," he told Dhaka Tribune.
He added that the VC’s role in Ducsu is largely symbolic and provides a necessary baseline of governance.
But DU JCD argued that if the president is not directly elected, students will remain excluded from the university’s highest policy-making bodies.
"Even if the VC’s power is reduced and decisions are handed over to the Syndicate and Senate, the lack of student representation there will allow authoritarian structures to persist," Shipon said.
DU BSU echoed this, calling for democratic reform of Ducsu’s structure.
"The constitution should be changeable via referendum or through majority decisions by elected Ducsu representatives—but even that right currently doesn’t exist," said Meghmallar.
"The university administration is fixated on holding Ducsu elections at any cost—everything else seems secondary," Kader added.
DU Shibir also expressed concern over the VC’s overwhelming authority.
"But if Ducsu is delayed again or obstructed now, we fear destabilizing forces could exploit the situation further," said Mohiuddin.
Challenges
DU JCD remains concerned about the continued presence of former BCL activists in DU dormitories.
"Allowing them unrestricted movement on campus makes it impossible to ensure a fair environment," said Shipon.
He warned that BCL might attempt to exploit incidents to create political disturbances.
"This could severely damage the unity that students have recently begun to build—both on campus and nationally."
DU BDSC pointed to a lack of trust in the administration, citing past actions.
"We wanted leaders elected from regular students, but now, with no age limits, many will contest after taking long breaks from studies," said Kader.
DU BSU raised alarms about outside interference.
"Even though Ducsu is not controlled by the political government this time, state agencies still show interest," Meghmallar said.
He cited an example from 2019, when the Special Branch was the first to request a translated version of the Ducsu constitution—before any student or journalist did.
"Although Gonorooms and Guestrooms have been formally abolished, political control and polarization still persist under the guise of apolitical student identities," he added.
DU Shibir stated that the lasting trauma of BCL oppression continues to shape student perceptions of politics.
"That’s a major challenge. On top of that, some organizations are delaying the election process by setting conditions. This could hinder a spontaneous election," said Mohiuddin.
Despite all this, Dr Mohammad Zashim Uddin remained optimistic.
"So far, we don’t see any challenges. But DU is a fragile space—anything can change in a moment," he told Dhaka Tribune.
Hopes and aspirations
Dr Mohammad Zashim Uddin emphasized Ducsu’s historical role in producing quality leadership.
"From seven post-independence elections, 1,365 leaders emerged; and from 14 elections during the Pakistan era, 4,720 leaders," he said.
He lamented the lack of regular elections.
"If state authorities had the will, we would have seen 27 elections by now—one every two years."
DU JCD emphasized fairness.
"We want an election that benefits all students equally—not a repeat of 2019, which merely benefited one group," said Shipon.
DU BDSC expressed hope that the administration would meet student demands, especially since this administration was formed during a student movement.
"We are encouraged by the announcement of the election commission," they added.
Kader suggested holding voting in academic areas with teachers as polling agents to reduce allegations of vote manipulation.
"We aren’t overly optimistic, but if minimum conditions are met, we’ll participate," said Meghmallar of DU BSU.
DU Shibir believes this election could be the most transparent yet—depending on how the administration conducts itself.
"Ending this long drought of elections is essential. The next Ducsu must represent students in the university administration through pressure and legitimacy," said Mohiuddin.
The last Ducsu election
The last Ducsu election in March 2019 was held after nearly two decades. Candidates from the ruling Awami League’s student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), won almost all positions—except for vice president, welfare secretary, and a few other posts.
Nurul Haque Nur, now President of Gono Odhikar Parishad, was elected Ducsu VP, while current NCP General Secretary Akhter Hossain won as Social Welfare Secretary. The election was conducted under the leadership of then Vice-Chancellor Dr Akhtaruzzaman during the Awami League government.
Though some praised Dr Akhtaruzzaman for finally holding the election, the process was widely criticized due to BCL dominance at polling centers and the delayed announcement of results.
This time, however, BCL is banned, with many top leaders either detained or in exile. As a result, this upcoming Ducsu election is expected to take place without their direct participation. Candidates from BNP-backed JCD, Jamaat-backed Shibir, NCP-backed BDSC, and other left-leaning parties are expected to dominate the field.