Alleged irregularities in Ducsu polls tarnished DU’s reputation: White Panel teachers

The BNP-backed White Panel of Dhaka University teachers has claimed that alleged irregularities in the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) election held on 9 September have severely tarnished the reputation and democratic values of the institution.

In a statement issued today (26 September), signed by Convener Professor Dr Morshed Hasan Khan, joint conveners Professor Dr Abdus Salam and Professor Dr Md Abul Kalam Sarkar, the panel urged the university authorities to provide a clear explanation regarding the allegations without delay.

The statement referred to a recent investigative report aired by private television channel News24, which claimed widespread irregularities and vote rigging during the polls.

"The shocking picture presented in the report has undoubtedly undermined the democratic heritage and dignity of Dhaka University, a historic centre of free thought," the panel said.

It further stressed that the DU administration must disprove the allegations if they are unfounded. The teachers demanded the formation of an impartial investigation committee, comprising members from within or outside the university, to probe the allegations and publish its findings as soon as possible.

If the probe confirms fraud and malpractice, those responsible must face exemplary punishment, reads the statement.

The panel also noted that if the allegations are proven, the election results should be annulled and a fresh, free, fair, and neutral election must be arranged. Otherwise, questions over the legitimacy of the polls will persist, it said.

"The 2025 Ducsu election will go down in history as a farcical and tainted exercise in disenfranchising students, much like the illegitimate polls held during fascist regimes," the White Panel said in its statement.