One month in, Ducsu pushes forward despite funding constraints

Nearly a month has passed since the 9 September election of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu), marking the start of a new one-year term. While the elected leaders have begun planning and implementing initiatives, they face a critical challenge: the absence of a dedicated Ducsu fund. 

From purchasing stationery to organising events, activities have so far relied on personal contributions and sponsorships. University sources explain that while students pay an annual fee intended for Ducsu and hall councils, no separate bank account exists in Ducsu's name. 

Funds collected for the student union are absorbed into the university's overall budget. One month after the election, a dedicated fund has yet to be established. 

"There is no money in the central union's fund," said Raihan, an executive member of the central union. "So far, all our activities are being supported through memorandums of understanding with various organisations or via sponsorships. Each secretary has already submitted a detailed plan and expected budget to the vice president and general secretary."

The union's treasurer, HM Mosharraf Hossain, who also chairs the university's finance department, described the situation as "very embarrassing." He noted that routine expenses, including stationery and event costs, are being covered from his own pocket. 

For instance, the rent for the conference hall used in memory of Abrar Fahad was temporarily paid from his department. He has applied for an urgent allocation of one lakh taka to cover essential costs.

Initiatives and implementation

Since assuming office, student representatives have begun implementing several initiatives. In a meeting held on 14 September with elected representatives, the union discussed introducing a trial "bus-track" app to improve student transport, expanding the shuttle service, modernising the university medical centre, and organising monthly medical camps.

"After the Puja holidays, the 'Our Red Bus' tracking app will be officially launched," said student transport secretary Asif Abdullah. 

"We will also introduce a rickshaw system within campus with designated uniforms and limited numbers, ensuring outside rickshaws cannot enter. Currently, 12 shuttle buses operate on campus; we plan to add 20 more, with several donors already agreeing to support the initiative," he said.

Central unions' health and environment secretary, MM Al Minhaj, noted progress in modernising the medical centre with support from the Turkish NGO Tika. Plans include establishing a model pharmacy, enabling all pathology tests on campus, and running monthly medical camps in collaboration with the Ibn Sina Trust. 

Additionally, with support from the Bangladesh Global Health and Research Institute, first aid training for 100 students per hall will begin after the holidays. Agreements are also underway with a pharmaceutical company to control pests in halls. Ibn Sina Hospital will implement a 50% discount on all tests for Dhaka University students within a week.

Administrative hurdles and ongoing challenges

Elected representatives say initial efforts have been hampered by administrative disorganisation and the lack of a functional structure. "There is no coordination between departments," said vice president Sadik Qayem. 

"We received no framework initially, so we had to structure the system ourselves and meet with all stakeholders. We are applying checks and balances across every area." He added that initiatives outlined in the election manifesto will be implemented gradually, with budgets already submitted to the administration.

Longstanding issues, such as the quality of food in halls, remain unresolved. Many canteens operate in unhygienic conditions, and the administration has no specific guidelines or subsidies to improve nutrition. 

Hazi Muhammad Mohsin Hall resident Tamim Al Razi said food quality remains unchanged. Student representatives, however, are planning to prepare menus in consultation with nutritionists, ensuring meals meet dietary requirements while remaining affordable. 

A designated teacher will oversee canteen operations, and proposals will be submitted to bring canteen staff under university payroll, which is expected to perform as a form of subsidy to improve food standards, said a representative.