Since November 25, Walid Ashraf, a post-graduate student from Dhaka University (DU) has been on hunger strike demanding elections for Dhaka University’s Central Student Union (DUCSU) be held by December 16.
Members of Pragati Parishad and Professor MM Akash from DU’s Economics department visited Walid Ashraf Saturday evening and expressed their solidarity with his movement.
Prof Akash urged the authorities to hold DUCSU polls with haste. He said: "Teachers and registered graduates are benefitting from the last verdict of High Court, which directed the DU authorities to fulfil the senate within six months. However, students are being deprived of their democratic rights because of a dysfunctional DUCSU."
On Saturday evening, candles were lit at Memory Eternal premises by students demanding DUCSU polls. They expressed solidarity with Ashraf and staged a demonstration blocking the road adjacent to the memory eternal premises.
Also Read- Miscreants erase protest artwork that called for DUCSU polls
Later on Saturday night, Walid was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital by the students for a check-up. Doctors prescribed saline so that he remains hydrated.
Afterwards, students drew graffiti on the walls along of the residence of DU’s Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Akhtaruzzaman.
Former VC of Jahangirnagar University, Prof Anwar Hossain also visited Ashraf. He said: "Walid’s demands for DUCSU polls, is the demand of Bangladesh. DUCSU has played a pivotal role that paved the way for the birth of this country."
Anwar pointed out that Bangladesh’s democracy suffers as a direct result of the mismanagement brought forth by DUCSU and said: “Students were the ones who reinstated our democracy by ousting an autocratic regime. Today, our politicians are snatching away their rights by taking advantage of the current democratic system."
Moreover, Anwar urged DU’s VC to take the initiative to hold polls as is his right in accordance with the university order of 1973.
Prof Akhtaruzzaman expressed his disappointment with the university’s failure to hold DUCSU elections in 27 years and promised necessary steps will be taken in due time. He also expressed his displeasure with the profanity as part of the graffiti adorning his residence.
Sunday, March 23, 2025
