How crucial is it for Ducsu to remain active?

Following the July mass uprising, Dhaka University is set to hold elections for its Central Students' Union (Ducsu) and Hall Union once again.

Though meant to be annual, only seven Ducsu elections have taken place since independence. Participation, expectations, and reflections on national politics make these polls nationally significant.

Students have long been a transformative force in Bangladesh's political history. Their actions often set the pace for national movements and political debate.

When student leadership follows democratic and inclusive practices, dissenting voices are respected, authorities are questioned, and justice is safeguarded. This is why regular Ducsu elections matter so much.

Why Ducsu matters

Students of Dhaka University have been at the forefront of every major national movement: the Language Movement, the Liberation War, anti-autocracy movements of the 1990s, and the July uprising.

Much of the planning and leadership in these movements emerged from Dhaka University platforms, cementing Ducsu's influence beyond campus.

This influence is why Ducsu is often called the country's "second parliament."

Khairul Kabir Khokon, elected GS in 1990 and now BNP joint secretary, told The Business Standard, "From the Language Movement to the Liberation War, Ducsu has always contributed to national struggles. It played a key role in resisting the 1990s autocracy."

He added, "While protecting student rights, it also took a stand against injustices faced by ordinary citizens. On campus, we ended protests inside academic buildings, moved demonstrations to the streets, and formed 'Paribesh Parishad' to maintain harmony."

Consequences of irregular elections

During British rule, Ducsu elections were held 14 times in 23 years. In the Pakistan era, 16 elections occurred in 22 years.

After independence, the Ducsu elections became irregular and later ceased. Only once since the 1990s, in 2019, was an election held.

Governments primarily sideline Ducsu to allow ruling student organisations to dominate campus politics. Over the last 15 years, student bodies influenced by political powers intensified oppression. 

Under Awalmi League rule, the 'Guest room' culture, harassment, violence, seat-trading, and suppression of opposition became regular occurrences. 

Students argue that regular elections prevent such autocratic behaviors. Voters tend to reject undemocratic leaders, and even those in power cannot sustain such practices long-term.

What changes did the 2019 Ducsu bring?

Faisal Islam Manik, a Sir A F Rahman hall resident and student of the 2018-19 session, told The Business Standard, "After the Ducsu schedule was announced in 2019, harassment in guest rooms and repression by the student league noticeably decreased. The power balance shifted toward elected Ducsu leaders."

He explained that competition among leaders for student acceptance resulted in campus improvements: new reading rooms, bicycle stands, and repainting of rooms.

Monira Sharmin, elected GS from an independent panel at Sufia Kamal Hall, recalled, "We pressured the administration to meet students' legitimate demands. That one year, we were able to allocate single beds for master's students in female students' halls for the first time."

Ducsu's objectives and functions

According to Ducsu's constitution, its primary purpose is to uphold the spirit of independence and the Liberation War, embrace democratic movements like the July uprising, and assist students in academic and co-curricular excellence.

Other responsibilities include developing student leadership, fostering cultural and intellectual collaboration, strengthening relations with domestic and international institutions, safeguarding students' rights, maintaining common rooms, organising competitions, publishing magazines, participating in inter-university conferences, and engaging in social service activities.

Ensuring student representation

Khorshed Alam, Associate Professor of Mass Communication and Journalism, told TBS, "Decisions at Dhaka University largely remain in the hands of the administration. Ducsu and hall unions ensure student representatives are included, reflecting student perspectives in decision-making."

He added, "Ducsu is essential to guarantee student inclusion and build a democratic environment. Strong, transparent student politics also strengthen the wider political culture, ensuring authorities are accountable and dissent is respected."

The upcoming Ducsu elections are more than routine; they are a platform for nurturing democratic practices, empowering students, and shaping the political culture of Bangladesh.