Chief returning officer: I am embarrassed

The chief returning officer for Dhaka University Central Students Union (Ducsu) elections said he was embarrassed, when confronted by by candidates with allegations of irregularities.

Prof SM Mahfuzur Rahman told students on Monday afternoon that the hall administrations were responsible for the incidents.

Students representing all the panels that boycotted the election, and several independent candidates, submitted a written complaint to the chief returning officer in the afternoon.

They demanded that the results of the election be cancelled.

In response, Mahfuzur said: “I won’t say anything. I have heard what you said.”

The protesting students accused the administration of working to ensure the ruling party-affiliated Chhatra League’s victory at the elections.

Also Read- Ducsu polls irregularities: Chief returning officer faces students' wrath

“Personally I am embarrassed by the incidents that took place today,” he said in response.

The students responded by saying his embarrassment was of no use to them, since there was widespread vote rigging.

“What can I do? I will inform the appropriate authorities about your complaints,” the professor replied.

Asked when there would be a response to their complaints, the chief returning officer said: “You can go talk to whoever you want. Give me time. I have a committee and I need to sit with them.”

The students left after almost 30 minutes of arguing with the chief returning officer.