Ducsu polls: Umama, Abid, Kader allege ballot, voter list irregularities, accuse DU admin of inaction
They demanded the disclosure of voter signature lists.
Highlights:
- Umama, Abid, Kader allege major irregularities in the polls
- Raise questions about unsecured ballot papers found at Gausul Azam Market
- Reported voter turnout figures do not match on-ground presence, they claim
- They demand disclosure of voter signature lists for transparency
- DU administration cites legal complications, says a committee working on the issues
Vice president (VP) candidates from three different panels in the recently held Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) elections have alleged that despite several irregularities in the polls, the university administration is showing reluctance to take action.
Swatantra Shikkharthi Oikyo panel's Umama Fatema, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal-backed panel's Abidul Islam Khan and Bangladesh Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad-backed panel's Abdul Kader met DU Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan this afternoon (23 September) to raise their concerns with the administration. DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed was also present.
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Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the student leaders said ballot papers for the Ducsu polls were found unsecured at a printing press shop in Gausul Azam Market on 7 September. They sought a clear explanation from the administration regarding this incident.
They also questioned the reported voter turnout, claiming it was inconsistent with what they observed on election day. For this reason, they demanded the disclosure of voter signature lists.
VC Niaz could not be reached for comment, while the proctor declined to speak on the matter.
According to the three leaders, the administration cited legal complications in publishing the voter signature lists, but informed them that a committee is investigating the other issues.
Abdul Kader told reporters, "We specifically asked about the unsecured ballots at Gausul Azam Market and the signature list. But the administration seems reluctant to take measures."
Umama Fatema said, "The administration failed to give any answer about the unsecured ballots. Also, the voter signature lists does not reveal who voted for whom. There is no risk of breaching voter privacy.
"Concerns especially arise regarding turnout figures at Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall."
Abidul Islam Khan said, "The administration claimed they did not know about the unsecured ballots. Their reluctance to provide the signature lists only deepens our suspicion."
The long-awaited Ducsu election was held on 9 September.
The Islami Chhatra Shibir, student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, secured a sweeping victory in the election, winning 23 out of 28 posts in the central committee, including vice-president and general secretary posts.
Md Abu Shadik (Kayem) was elected vice-president (VP) and SM Farhad clinched the general secretary (GS) post.
