After primary scrutinization of the nominations papers, the Dhaka University (DU) authorities on Wednesday evening published the primary list of candidates for the DU Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) and hall union elections, slated for March 11.
According to the list posted on the university website, 20 candidates were cleared to contest for the vice president post, 12 for the general secretary post, and 13 others for the assistant general secretary post.
11 candidates were cleared to contest the polls for the liberation war affairs secretary post, nine each for the science and technology affairs secretary, and the common room and cafeteria affairs secretary posts, 13 for the international affairs secretary post, eight for the literature affairs secretary post, 12 for the cultural affairs secretary post, 11 for the sports affairs secretary post, 10 for the student transport affairs secretary post, 15 for the social welfare secretary post, and 88 others for the posts of member.
The nomination forms of several candidates from Bangladesh Chhatra League, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, and leftist student bodies were cancelled during scrutiny of different issues.
However, these candidates would be able to appeal against the cancellation with the concerned authority by Thursday.
The final list of all the candidates will be published on March 3 after further scrutiny.
Wooing the voters
On Wednesday, candidates from various panels — including those of Chhatra League and Chhatra Dal — and independent candidates, were seen greeting voters on DU campus, although formal campaigning is scheduled to begin after the final list drops next Sunday.
Chhatra League panel’s vice president candidate, Rezwanul Haque Chowdhury Shovon, was seen talking with students and hearing their demands.
Asked about the students’ response, he said: “We are only going to the students to introduce ourselves, because the formal campaign will start after the final list of candidates is published.”
“But we are also hearing what kind of university they want and hopefully we will be able to deliver,” he added.
Chhatra Dal panel’s vice president candidate, Mustafizur Rahman, was also seen exchanging views with students in the Campus Shadow and Central Library areas of the university campus.
He told reporters: “We will win if the election is held in a fair manner as the students are responding to us positively.”
Candidates from leftist student bodies were also seen fraternizing on campus in a bid to garner support from voters ahead of the polls.