Ducsu polls: Hamim aims to transform dorms into centres of knowledge, science, culture, and research
In an interview with The Business Standard, Shaikh Tanvir Baree Hamim, running for general secretary in the Ducsu election from the Chhatra Dal-supported panel, spoke about the election atmosphere, his panel’s preparations, and his plans if elected
Shaikh Tanvir Baree Hamim is contesting for the position of general secretary in this year's Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) election from the Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal-supported panel.
In an interview with The Business Standard's Md Tahmidul Alam Jaeef, Hamim spoke about the election atmosphere, his panel's preparations, and his plans if elected, including transforming the university halls into centres of knowledge, science, culture, and research.
There is only one day left until the election. How do you see the situation so far?
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The election atmosphere seems good so far. However, there are some fears. Since the election is one day away, I do not want to make the students anxious by talking about fears; I want the students to cast their votes in a festive and joyful atmosphere.
Many candidates are complaining that the administration is trying to discourage students from voting. What do you think?
The election commission has created various obstacles for voters at different times by saying that non-resident students need to renew their ID cards to vote or that the army will be deployed. This has created a fear among students about whether they will come to vote or not.
But the university administration should have made it easier for everyone to vote. Some 4.5 crore young people in Bangladesh could not vote in the last 17 years. A large portion of them are Dhaka University students. In that case, the voting process should be made easier.
What is the strength of your panel?
We have put forward an inclusive panel. We have a long history of struggle before 5 August [last year]. After 5 August, we have been maintaining a positive political trend at Dhaka University.
What are students expecting from you?
The students do not want to return to the old political trend. They want their five fundamental rights, of which Dhaka University students are deprived, to be ensured. They want the assurance of a normal study environment on campus.
Besides, students want freedom from basic problems, such as various obstacles in the credit transfer system, e-library access, housing shortages, and a lack of nutritious food.
If you are elected, what will be your main goal?
I have presented to the students my plan for what I will do in the first 100 days if I am elected. I will launch a learning management system that will provide free skill-based education, including graphic design and computer literacy.
I will also introduce a teacher evaluation system. At the same time, I will work to solve the accommodation crisis and improve food quality.
In the past, Chhatra Dal was accused of 'guestroom-gonoroom' culture and extortion, and there is a sense of fear among students about this. How much have you been able to alleviate this fear?
After 5 August, we helped to abolish the "gonoroom-guestroom" system.
We have won the hearts of the students through positive politics. When I go to the dorms and ask for votes, I see that some students are engaged in drawing, some are making sculptures, some are singing, and some are practising literature. Therefore, the halls of Dhaka University are a major hub for the practice of knowledge, science, and culture.
It was in these very halls that students were tortured and oppressed. After 5 August, the students are developing their talents.
Our first goal will be to transform the halls of Dhaka University into centres for the practice of knowledge, science, culture, and research.
Also, the culture of "gonoroom-guestroom" must not be allowed to return to Dhaka University.
The issue of online harassment of female students is being widely discussed. What are your thoughts on this?
Not just female students, but male students are also being cyberbullied a lot. A lot of propaganda is being spread with bot and fake IDs. Those who are falling behind in political competition, not finding anything else, try to assassinate personal character.
The university alone cannot take responsibility for this. The state also has a responsibility here.
How optimistic are you about winning?
The Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal is united. Our panel has been announced with the most popular students. When I went to the students, I saw that they were accepting me.
The Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal has put in a lot of effort and made many sacrifices in building a democratic Bangladesh, so I think the students will consider us. I am optimistic about winning.
