Twenty-five members of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) were absent from the Independence Day tribute ceremony at the National Martyrs' Memorial, with only three representatives attending on behalf of the 28-member committee.
According to a post on Ducsu’s official Facebook page on Thursday morning, Liberation War and Democratic Movement Secretary Fatima Tasnim Zuma, Sports Secretary Arman Hossain, and Science and Technology Secretary Iqbal Haider attended the ceremony to pay homage on behalf of the body.
The 2025–26 Ducsu central committee comprises 28 members, including a vice president (VP), a general secretary (GS), and an assistant general secretary (AGS). The remaining 25 members, including those holding key posts, were absent.
Asked about the absence, General Secretary SM Farhad said those who were in Dhaka attended, while others had not yet returned to the city. He also confirmed that Vice President Shadik Kayem is currently in Saudi Arabia.
Farhad said he had attempted to attend but was stuck in traffic for around four and a half hours. He claimed the roads were blocked due to a religious festival observed by the Hindu community.
“I didn’t verify whether that event was actually taking place, but I later saw on Facebook that some kind of religious programme was going on in that area,” he said.
He added that the traffic situation caused him to miss four Independence Day programmes, including a rally organised by Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir.
Despite the low উপস্থিতি at the memorial, Ducsu had marked Genocide Day on March 25 with social media posts and Independence Day-themed photo cards.
The union has also announced a series of programmes to mark Independence Day 2026, including cultural competitions and the “Independence Day National Barowari Debate Competition 2026.”
Students have been invited to participate in musical performances and recitations centred on the spirit of independence, with registration open until March 31. Organisers said the programmes aim to promote engagement and critical thinking among students.
