The Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) election has been held peacefully and in a festive manner, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Dhaka University Prof Akhtaruzzaman has said.
"Aside from a few separate incidents, the voting went peacefully," he told reporters after voting ended on Monday. "Students voted believing in the spirit of democracy."
Before voting was done, the VC thanked the students for exercising their voting rights by maintaining an orderly and peaceful environment.
"I visited a lot of centres," he said. "There, I saw students upholding democratic practices by forming long queues to cast their votes."
Talking about the irregularities observed at Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall, Prof Akhtaruzzaman said: "When we got to know of the situation, we immediately suspended the hall provost without delay, and appointed a new provost. At the same time, we formed a five-member investigation committee to investigate the situation."
The VC assured that strict measures will be taken against those responsible for creating unrest in Maitree Hall.
"After getting the report from the committee, we will take strict measures against those responsible, so that no one thinks of engaging in such corrupt acts in the future," he said.
He further said: "There is a definite structure to Ducsu polls. We will take measures following that structure."
Prof Akhtaruzzaman expressed his satisfaction at the way the students participated in the polls.
"Their values inspire us. We hope the democratic process will remain uninterrupted in the coming days."
Voting in the Ducsu polls begun at 8am Monday. However, before the election ended at 2pm, all panels, except Bangladesh Chhatra League, boycotted the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) and hall union elections, citing vote rigging and irregularities.
The major panels are: Chhatra Federation, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Independent, Swadhikar, Progressive, and Quota.
Numerous accounts of irregularities were also reported, with voting getting suspended for an hour at Maitree Hall, and altogether suspended at Begum Rokeya Hall.
Several candidates, including Left Panel leader Liton Nandi and Quota Reform leader Nurul Haque Nur were reportedly attacked by Chhatra League activists.
Candidates and students took positions in front of VC's residence, and later in front of the Registrar Building, demanding fresh polls.