Ducsu and Hall Sangsad polls: A look into the contenders and campaigns

The nomination collection for the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) and Hall Sangsad elections will officially close tomorrow (19 August), wrapping up a busy week of intense activities on the campus.

Intending contestants collected nomination papers during 12-19 August with the last date for submission set for 3pm on 20 August.

Nomination papers were available at the office of Ducsu Chief Returning Officer Professor Mohammad Jasim Uddin, located on the third floor of the Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building, between 10am and 4pm daily.

The final list of candidates will be published at 1pm on 21 August after scrutiny.

A total of 565 nomination papers have been collected for the upcoming Ducsu elections. On the final day alone, 442 candidates collected their papers, according to the chief returning officer.

Besides, some 1,226 nominations were collected for the Hall Sangsad elections across 18 residential halls. This surge reflects the high level of student engagement ahead of the much-anticipated polls.

Alliances and panels: Who's contesting for what

Chhatra Dal yet to announce full panel: 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.

According to sources, the final panel may be revealed later.

Among those who collected nomination forms are Mominul Islam Jisan, joint general secretary (Central) of Chhatra Dal, who is contesting for vice president (VP). Other candidates include Abidul Islam Khan (DU Branch), Tanvir Bari Hamim (Kabi Jasimuddin Hall), Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed (Bijoy Ekattor Hall), and central leaders such as Zarif Rahman, Imam Hasen Anik, and others.

Shibir announces full panel

Islami Chhatra Shibir was among the first to announce a complete 28-member panel.

Their nominations include representation from ethnic minorities, injured participants in the July Uprising, and members from AAP Bangladesh and Inqilab Mancha.

Key candidates are Abu Sadiq Kayem (VP), SM Farhad and Mohiuddin Khan (GS) and (AGS), respectively.

Portfolio candidates include Iqbal Haider (Science & Technology), Fatima Tasnim Juma (Liberation War & Democratic Movement), Umme Salma (Common Room, Reading Room & Cafeteria), and others across health, law, research, sports, and culture.

Left alliance fielding Imi and BSU

The Left Alliance has also declared a panel, with Sheikh Iti Afroz Imi standing for vice president, and Meghmallar Basu, president of the Dhaka University unit of Bangladesh Students' Union, contesting for general secretary. Jabir Ahmed Jubel has been nominated for AGS.

Their alliance includes candidates from the Students' Union, Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, Biplobi Chhatra Maitree, Pahari Chhatra Parishad, Student Council, and Ganotantrik Chhatra Mancha.

More names are expected to be released tomorrow (19 August), including candidates for portfolio-based secretarial positions.

Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad holds off panel declaration

Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad, contesting under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student 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.

Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad enters the race

Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad announced its panel this afternoon. Key candidates are Bin Yamin Molla (VP), Sabina Yasmin (GS) and Rakibul Islam (AGS).

The panel also includes candidates for Science & Technology, Social Services, Sports, Law, Health, and Publications secretaries.

Umama Fatema leads independent panel

Prominent anti-discrimination student activist Umama Fatima has launched an independent panel, collecting nomination papers today.

Her likely candidacy for VP may be joined by Al Sadi Bhuiyan for GS and Mohiuddin Mujahid Mahi (President of the DU Journalists' Association) for AGS.

The complete panel is expected to be announced on Tuesday.

NCP and 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 Citizen Party (NCP), has been formed. Fateha Sharmin Annie is expected to run for AGS.

Election process and timeline

Following the submission deadline on 19 August, nomination scrutiny will take place, and the final list of candidates will be published on 21 August at 1pm.

Voting Day is scheduled for 9 September, from 8am to 3pm. Results will be announced later that same day.

There are a total of 39,775 voters, including 20,871 male and 18,902 female students.

More posts in 2025 Ducsu polls

This year's Ducsu election will feature 28 positions, up from 25 in the 2019 polls, in response to growing demands from student organisations.

The newly added posts include Research and Publications Secretary, Career Development Secretary, Health and Environment Secretary, Human Rights and Legal Affairs Secretary.

The last Ducsu election was held on 11 March 2019. In that election, Nurul Haque Nur was elected vice president, Golam Rabbani as general secretary, and Saddam Hossain as assistant general secretary.