Elections to the Dhaka University central student’s Union (Ducsu) and 18 hall unions will be held after 28 years today.
Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, candidates representing the major political bodies and interest groups yesterday said they wanted a free and fair election, and that turnout was crucial.
With Dhaka University on the verge of restoring a historic institution, whose role and power has always been far beyond its scope as a student body, student leaders are hopeful that voters will participate with zeal and enthusiasm in the process.
Ducsu’s legacy as a cradle for future political leaders, a bastion for democratic spirit and a launchpad for political movements, earned it the name second parliament.
Some candidates for the Ducsu posts said they have faith on the university administration, while some are concerned that the university administration’s actions are not conducive to a free and fair election.
Despite opposition from some candidates and panels, ballot boxes went to the polling centres last evening. The authorities say booths are ready for vote and all other preparations are complete. Voting will start at 8am today and continue till 2pm without interval.
Ducsu vice president candidate, also the president of the leftist group Student Federation Ummay Habiba Benozir said: “We are concerned about the administration’s actions. Voting time has not been increased from 2pm, some ballot boxes are not transparent, and ballot boxes have already been sent to the halls. This election may become a fixed election like the last parliament election.”
“But no one should have any reason to believe that the students are fools. If we show up in numbers to the voting booths, then all scheming around the election will fail. Students must come to the polling centres,” she said.
Assistant general secretary candidate, and general secretary of Chhatra League DU unit, Saddam Hussain said the campus is in a festive mode because of the polls.
“Students will be victorious through this election. We urge everyone involved in this election to act responsibly,” he said.
“We will ensure the voting rights of all students, even those who will cast their vote to others,” he added.
Mustafizur Rahman, VP candidate from Jatiyatababi Chhatra Dal (JCD) said: “We want to work on the problems of students. To restore democracy to the nation, which was taken away in the last parliamentary elections, university students have a responsibility. I urge students to go to polling centres and cast their votes in favour of the Chhatra Dal panel.”
“Some supporters of Chhatra League are plotting to create anarchy,” he alleged, urging all students to be conscious and exercise their frnachise.
VP candidate from the quota reformist panel Nurul Haque Nuru condemned the authority’s decision to send ballot boxes to the halls on the night before voting day.
“We told the administration that if ballot boxes sent before voting day it would be an election like December 30,” he said.
He also said polling agents were not allowed in the election.
“From the very beginning, ordinary students were enthusiastic about the polls. But some questionable steps taken by the administration has frustrated all of them,” he added.
Returning officer Dr Md Didar-Ul-Alam, who is chairman of the soil, water and environment department, said: “Each student, whether voter or candidate, knows how important the Ducsu election is.”
“Voting will be finished within the deadline of 2pm. We set up polling centres and booths by calculating the booth-student ratio,” he said.
“So far everything is going in the right direction. We are hopeful of doing our best to maintain a free and fair voting environment,” he added.
‘Political coexistence should continue’
Candidates from panels other than the ruling party-affiliated Chhatra League one, say there has been a tolerant political atmosphere in the campus, and one positive outcome of the election would be if this continues.
Chhatra Dal VP candidate Mustafiz said they had a hassle-free campaign. Such political coexistence in the campus has largely been absent since 2008.
“The election would be a success only if this atmosphere remains after the polls.”
Mahmudul Hasan, general secretary candidate of Islami Shasantantra Chhatra Andolan, said his organization had enjoyed an unprecedented level of opportunities in the campus, and was hopeful that this would continue in the future.
“Political coexistence and tolerance of different opinions would be the biggest success and achievement of the election,” the candidate said.
VP candidate from the quota reformists’ panel Nurul Haque Nuru said the Ducsu election would be able to open the back log in systems that are constraining the issues related to student development.
“But the biggest achievement would be the fresh start in campus politics, that would give a positive vibe to the nation that students are on the right path of political coexistence, tolerance and non-violent politics,” he added.
Arif Ibn Ali, science and technology secretary candidate from Chhatra League, said Ducsu election has brought a festive mood to the campus.
4 female candidates in three key posts
While 35 candidates are contesting for the top three posts of Ducsu, only four of them are female students.
Three of the four candidates are contesting for the post of general secretary - candidates from Chatra Moitree, BCL- JaSaD, and Chattra Federation - and another is from the independent panel.
