Ducsu, Jucsu, and Rucsu polls: BNP warns Chhatra Dal against actions that could affect party
The party has advised that the student union elections must remain strictly campus-based and not spill outside
Highlights
- BNP also advises Chhatra Dal to keep students' union polls confined to campus
- Also to remain alert against 'bad politics'
The BNP has taken the upcoming Ducsu, Rucsu and Jucsu elections seriously in the run-up to the national polls. From London, the party's acting chairman Tarique Rahman is keeping close watch and, when necessary, providing guidance and directives.
The BNP has advised Chhatra Dal to keep the students' union elections confined to campus, to remain alert against "bad politics," and to refrain from any activity that could negatively impact the party, according to a reliable party source.
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As per the announced schedule, the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) election will be held on 9 September, the Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (Jucsu) on 11 September, and the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (Rucsu) on 15 September.
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi told TBS, "Chhatra Dal is participating and contesting in all student union elections. It is a student organisation. It will do what it needs to do, and there is no scope for BNP to interfere. If Chhatra Dal seeks advice, we will give it. At Dhaka University, nationalist forces enjoy extraordinary support among students. I believe Chhatra Dal's panel will perform well there."
According to BNP sources, the party has advised that the student union elections must remain strictly campus-based and not spill outside. Campaigning should involve only currently enrolled students. Those whose studentship has ended and outsiders must not be involved.
The leadership has also directed Chhatra Dal to solve any issues through discussion with university authorities and to engage in activities that serve the welfare of ordinary students.
Sources also say the BNP believes the outcome of these student union polls could influence the national election. Furthermore, the behaviour and activities of political parties' student wings will be closely observed by the public. Therefore, directives have been issued to ensure Chhatra Dal's conduct does not tarnish the BNP's positive image.
Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir told TBS: "One of the key aspirations of the July mass uprising was to hold student union elections in every institution through student votes. That aspiration is beginning on 9 September at Dhaka University.
"For 17 years, not only national elections but also student union polls have been rigged. Through the Ducsu election, we are re-entering a democratic framework. This election will be an important milestone."
On 20 August, Chhatra Dal president Rakibul Islam Rakib announced the Ducsu panel. However, the organisation has not yet announced its panels for Jucsu or Rucsu. It is working on forming a panel for Jucsu, while for Rucsu, the organisation requested the Election Commission for two additional months to prepare.
