Fragmented panels set stage for big players to dominate Ducsu polls
Splintered groups and independents may gain representation, yet their lack of unity could limit their ability to challenge the dominant panels
The Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) election is shaping up to be one of the most crowded and fragmented in years, with multiple coalitions, breakaway factions, and independent candidates joining the race.
While the large number of panels reflects the diversity of student politics, analysts warn it could benefit the most organised groups — Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir.
Rafiz Khan, a candidate for student transport secretary from the Shatantra Chhatra Oikko panel, said the 2019 Ducsu election had little excitement because "everyone knew Chhatra League was going to win that controversial election."
"This time, after the July uprising, the situation is different. There's a feeling that anyone can win, which has encouraged even non-partisan students to step forward and represent their peers. That's why there are so many candidates this year," he added.
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Voter Raju Ahammed agreed, saying, "There's a saying among us that you only get one chance at Ducsu in your student life. Many are contesting almost for fun, to have a memory or achievement to look back on. Most candidates fall into this category."
The Bangladesh Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad (BGCS), formerly part of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD), has split into at least three active panels.
One panel, Boishommobirodhi Shikkharthi Sangsad, is led by Abdul Kader (vice president), Abu Baker Mojumdar (general secretary), and Ashrefa Khatun (assistant general secretary).
Another faction, Samannito Shikkharthi Sangsad, is led by Mahin Sarkar, while a third independent bloc is led by Umama Fatema. Additional defections and independent candidates have further weakened their ability to consolidate votes.
Left-leaning student groups are also fielding multiple panels. Aparajeyo 71–Odomyo 24 brings together factions of the Bangladesh Students' Union, Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, and the Jasad-backed Bangladesh Chhatra League, nominating Naim Hasan Hridoy (vice president), Enamul Hasan Onoy (general secretary), and Aditi Islam (assistant general secretary).
Another left coalition, including Bangladesh Chhatra Union, Socialist Students' Front, Biplobi Chhatra Moitri, Chhatra Council, Chhatra Juba Andolon, Pahari Chhatra Parishad, and Gonotantrik Chhatra Moncho, has launched a separate panel.
Chhatra Federation has announced a partial 11-member slate.
An Islami Chhatra Andolon-backed panel has also entered the race. Numerous independents and hall-level leaders, including former members of the SAD and BGCS, have filed nominations, making the ballot even more crowded.
Analysts say this fragmentation could benefit the two most disciplined groups on campus.
Shibir has a strong, structured base across faculties and residential halls, allowing it to mobilise voters even when other groups are divided.
Chhatra Dal, backed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, can attract disillusioned students who may not support student leaders from the July uprising or fractured left coalitions.
"There are several factors like region and personal popularity that can influence the DUCSU election result," said Dhaka University political analyst Md Saiful Alam Chowdhury.
Another analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity, added, "This fragmentation is like handing the advantage to the most organised players. Smaller groups may have popular appeal, but divided votes could prevent them from winning top positions, while Shibir and Chhatra Dal stand to benefit."
Observers predict a paradoxical outcome—a more diverse council but weaker cohesion. Splintered groups and independents may gain representation, yet their lack of unity could limit their ability to challenge the dominant panels.
In the upcoming Ducsu elections, 509 candidates will compete for 28 central posts. At the hall union level, 1,109 contestants will vie for 234 positions.
