White Panel's claims of DUCSU irregularities 'duplicitous': University Teachers' Link

The public and private university teachers' organisation University Teachers' Link (UTL) has described as "duplicitous" a statement by the BNP-leaning White Panel, alleging irregularities in the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election.

UTL argued that the election had been conducted largely under the supervision of White Panel-affiliated teachers themselves, making their subsequent allegations contradictory and disingenuous.

The remarks came at a press conference held today at 3pm in front of the DUCSU building, where UTL convener Professor Ataur Rahman Biswas read out a written statement addressing the election results and subsequent controversies.

Professor Ataur Rahman noted that White Panel, an association of teachers aligned with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, had issued a "frustrating" statement on the DUCSU election. Since July, he said, White Panel had been steering Dhaka University's administrative structure: deans of several faculties and provosts of 16 out of 18 halls are directly linked with the group.

Furthermore, of the 10 members of the Election Commission formed for the DUCSU election, eight represented White Panel and two the Gulapi Dal. The majority of returning officers and polling officers were also known to be active members of White Panel.

"When most of the responsibility for conducting the election lay in the hands of White Panel teachers, to then raise allegations of 'fraud and irregularities' falls squarely into the category of duplicity and double-faced behaviour. This raises serious questions about the moral standing of the teachers issuing such statements," he said.

He added that empty ballot boxes were sealed in front of observers and media representatives prior to voting, and that between 8am and 4pm no incident of fraud, ballot manipulation, ballot-box snatching or CCTV blackout occurred. Counting was broadcast live on CCTV and results announced in the presence of all stakeholders. 

"Yet, the White Panel's allegations have caused pain among students, teachers and the wider public," he said.

Professor Ataur Rahman further remarked that in democracy victory and defeat are natural, serving to increase political awareness and responsibility among students. 

"Dhaka University is not anyone's private fiefdom; it is a centre of free thought run on taxpayers' money. A hegemonic mentality restricts students' freedom of expression," he said.

He cautioned that attempts to win at any cost, by disregarding the voters' verdict, risked sowing division and conflict, ultimately damaging the academic environment. Such behaviour, he said, represented "nothing but a well-planned attempt to question democratic achievements." 

He urged teachers involved in the election to reveal the truth and properly guide students.

Also present at the press conference were UTL Member-Secretary Professor Dr Mohammad Bilal Hossain, Professor Munira Jahan and others. 

The organisation presented three demands: that the university administration and Election Commission address the "baseless questions" raised about the election, that steps be taken to prevent harassment of students or interference with their mandate, and that the statement issued on White Panel's official pad be withdrawn.

The UTL further called on the university administration to take legal action against activities designed to undermine the election, which has already been widely commended at home and abroad as free and fair.

Yesterday, citing a television channel, the BNP-leaning White Panel issued a statement alleging "massive manipulation and irregularities" in the DUCSU election.