Aspirants from different student organizations are allegedly conducting their electioneering for the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) polls in violation of the code of conduct.
Rival candidates on Tuesday, alleged that Chhatra Union leaders and activists violated the section 3(A) of Ducsu electoral code of conduct 2019, by using a band party in their election campaign.
As per section 3(A) any competent contender or others on behalf of the candidate cannot bring out a rally, showdown or procession using vehicles, motorcycles, rickshaws, elephants or a band party while electioneering.
President of Dhaka University (DU) Bangladesh Chhatra League unit Sonjit Chandra Das said that Vice President (VP) candidate from Chhatra Union, General Secretary Liton Nandi violated the code by using a band party in his campaign.
“We have filed a written complaint to the Chief Election Commissioner of Ducsu, SM Mahfuzur Rahman against Liton as he violated section 3(A),” Sonjit told BSS.
Also Read- DU campus livens up as Ducsu elections campaigning begins
Talking about the issue, Ducsu VP candidate from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) panel Mostafizur Rahman said, “DU administration has every right to take necessary steps if any candidate violates any section of the Ducsu code of conduct.”
Sources said a colourful procession accompanied with the playing of musical instruments was brought out on the campus led by Liton Nandi.
Rejecting the allegation, Liton said, “It was not a band party. It was mainly our musical procession. One of our activists used drums as part of the colourful procession.”
“Those who raised the allegations, usually are the ones violating rules. Chhatra League leaders violated the codes by plastering colourful posters of their VP candidate Shovon inside and outside the halls,” said Liton.
Regarding the allegation, Chhatra League DU unit President Sonjit said that some outsiders and over-enthusiastic people put up the posters not Chhatra League members.
JCD and quota reform movement activists under the banner of ‘Bangladesh Shadharan Chhatra Odhikar Sangrakkhan Parishad’ allegedly violated section 4(C) of Ducsu code as non-students join in their election campaign.
Also Read- Ducsu polls: Final list of candidates published
Section 4(C) states, “None but the aspirants and voters of Ducsu and hall union polls can join in campaign on the campus area.”
When contacted, DU Proctor Prof AKM Golam Rabbani said that the code of conduct is applicable for all and DU authority is holding the election based on the Ducsu constitution and the electoral code.
“No aspirant should put his candidature at risk by violating the Ducsu code of conduct,” Prof Rabbani told BSS.
On Tuesday, the third day of electioneering, candidates from Chhatra League, the platform that spearheaded the quota reform movement; Pro-BNP JCD; leftist bodies as well as independent candidates were seen campaigning at different places of the campus.
They are trying to woo general students with their electoral pledges. All are promising to ensure a better campus free from all forms of conflict.
