3 panels in spotlight for Ducsu race, two led by women

Infograph: TBS

Three panels have emerged for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) elections with two of them being led by female candidates, signalling a diverse and competitive race. 

Umama Fatema, former spokesperson for the Students Against Discrimination, is leading an independent panel. She is expected to contest for vice president (VP).

The alliance of the left-leaning student organisations nominated Sheikh Tasnim Afroz Emi – a former vice president of Shamsunnahar Hall Students' Union – for the post of VP.

Ducsu has seen only one female VP in its history. Mahfuza Khanam, a candidate of the then East Pakistan Students' Union, was elected for the 1966-67 term of Ducsu. She passed away a week ago.

In a statement last night, the university extended the distribution and submission period for nomination papers mentioning overwhelming enthusiasm among students. The period has been extended to 5pm on 19 August, and 5pm on 20 August.

The Ducsu elections will be held on 9 September.

Meanwhile, the Islami Chhatra Shibir, in its first-ever participation in Ducsu elections, has announced a full 28-member panel, with Sadiq Kayem, the central publication secretary, running for VP. 

Former Dhaka University Journalists' Association (Duja) president Al Sadi Bhuiyan will likely run for general secretary with the Umama-led independent panel, and Duja's current president, Mohiuddin Muzahid Mahi, for assistant general secretary.

Fatema said her full "student-friendly Ducsu panel" will be announced after reviewing candidates' qualifications.

Bangladesh Students' Union's Dhaka University unit president Meghmallar Bosu will run for general secretary (GS) with the left alliance panel. The alliance, which has not yet disclosed its full panel, collected nomination forms yesterday. 

At a press conference, it presented a charter of demands including the expulsion of those involved in student repression under the Awami League government, cancellation of their candidacies, and removal of "Blue Panel" teachers from hall provost positions. 

Other demands include clear campaigning rules in halls, suspension of exams at least 15 days before polling, additional transport for non-residential students on election day, adequate polling centres, and measures against online rumours and mob violence on campus.

Chhatra Shibir's announcement of its panel is significant in the campus politics as the organisation in the past fielded candidates only covertly, refraining from visible campaigning due to a consensus among other groups in the 1990s to restrict its activities on campus. Shibir has re-emerged in campus politics since August last year.

The organisation nominated DU unit president SM Farhad for GS, and unit general secretary Mohiuddin Khan for AGS. 

Shibir's panel also includes nominees for various secretary positions, such as Iqbal Hayder for science and technology, Umme Salma for common room and cafeteria, and Khan Jasim – who lost an eye during the July 2024 Uprising – for international affairs. Fatema Tasnim Juma from Muktijuddho o Ganatantrik Andolon Inqilab Moncho has also joined the slate.

Thirteen candidates were named as executive members, including representatives from differently-abled students, female students' wings, and the Students Against Torture platform.

A total of 565 candidates have submitted nomination papers for the upcoming Ducsu elections, reports UNB.

Chhatra Sangsad holds off panel declaration

Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad has confirmed participation but withheld the final panel announcement. According to Zahid Ahsan, central member secretary, the panel line-up is still under discussion.

However, sources indicate Abdul Quader may run for VP, Abu Baker Majumder for GS, and Ashrefah Khatun for AGS.

NCP, Jamaluddin form joint panel

A joint panel led by Jamaluddin Muhammad Khalid, convener of the Independent Bangladesh Students' Union, and Mahin Sarkar of the National Chitizen Party (NCP), has been formed. Fateha Sharmin Annie is expected to run for AGS.

Mob obstructs collecting nomination paper: JCD

At an emergency press briefing yesterday, the university's Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) alleged that a mob obstructed its leaders from collecting nomination papers.

JCD President Gonesh Chandra Sahash said security officials were present at that time but they could not control the situation, compelling the students to leave the hall, reports BSS.

He said several female students of the Fazilatunnesa Mujib hall went to collect nomination papers at the Hall Sangsad returning officer's room. At that time a group of students created anarchy and barred them from collecting the nomination papers.

Although Chhatra Dal leaders collected nomination papers individually, the organisation is yet to finalise or announce its full panel by the end of the nomination period.