Ducsu election: Chhatra Dal undecided while some student bodies mobilise

Infograph: TBS

Highlights:

• Chhatra Dal calls for reforms before polls, demands VC, proctor resign
• Chhatra Sangsad preparing inclusive panel with diverse representation
• Left coalition planning joint platform, expansion talks underway
• Shibir finalises central panel, will back independents in halls
• Smaller groups, independents forming inclusive joint bloc

As a 10-member Election Commission has been formed to conduct the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) elections, some groups at the country's premier institution have already drafted panels and begun coalition talks while the BNP-backed Chhatra Dal remains undecided about participation in the absence of the polls schedule.   

A hall-level Chhatra Dal leader, requesting anonymity, told The Business Standard that grassroots members are frustrated and confused due to the lack of clear directives from the party's central leadership.

"We don't know whether we are supporting or opposing Ducsu, or what level of preparation to take. We've been left in the dark," he said.

Nahiduzzaman Shipon, general secretary of the Chhatra Dal Dhaka University unit, said the current administration has failed to ensure student safety, especially after the July uprising. He insisted that reforms are essential before any election can be considered acceptable.

"Reforms should begin with the resignation of the vice-chancellor and proctor," said Shipon. "Only then can there be a credible, participatory Ducsu election." 

He added that the organisation's final position would be based on inputs from its members.

The Ducsu Election Commission, formed on 16 June, held its first meeting yesterday. Chief Returning Officer Professor Mohammad Zashim Uddin announced that stakeholder consultations would guide the scheduling process.

The commission will meet all hall provosts on 24 June and hold sessions with student bodies on 26 June. 

"Provosts are key stakeholders," Zashim Uddin said. "These meetings will help us understand how best to proceed."

He added, "There's no disagreement about the need for a fair, inclusive election. We're committed to meeting the expectations of the student body."

Chhatra Sangsad moves ahead

Among the most organised so far is Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad, initiated by some key participants of last year's student protests. Abdul Kader, its DU unit convener, is set to run for vice-president, while central general secretary Abu Bakar Majumder will contest for the general secretary post.

Kader said the group is in talks with smaller student platforms and independent activists to form an inclusive panel. "We are planning a panel that includes indigenous students, people with disabilities, religious minorities, and six to seven women representatives," he told TBS.

Leftist coalition plans broad contest

The Democratic Student Alliance – a coalition of seven left-leaning student groups – has planned to contest the election from a joint platform. Talks are underway to expand the coalition to include the Socialist Student Front, a faction of Chhatra Union, the Student Federation, and the Pahari Chhatra Parishad.

Two alliance leaders confirmed to TBS that groups such as the Biplobi Chhatra Moitri and the Socialist Student Front (Marxist) have already started internal preparations. However, there remains concern over unresolved constitutional issues.

Jabir Ahmed Jubel, general secretary of Biplobi Chhatra Moitri, criticised the administration for failing to publish the full set of Ducsu constitutional amendments. 

"The power structure remains skewed and students' reform demands have been ignored. We urge the authorities to act and publish the schedule soon," he said.

Shibir finalises Panel

Islami Chhatra Shibir has reportedly finalised most of its central panel but is withholding public disclosure until the election schedule is officially announced. 

However, it will not field panels in hall-level elections.

DU unit General Secretary Mahiuddin Khan said Shibir supporters based in halls will instead support independent candidates aligned with their ideology.

Smaller groups explore joint panels

Several smaller student organisations are working together to create a shared panel. Some independent activists are also forming a united bloc focused on inclusive representation.

Jamal Uddin Khalid, convener of the Independent Bangladesh Student Parliament, said the goal is to reflect ideological diversity. "We're planning a panel under the theme 'Unity in Diversity' that includes left, right, and liberal perspectives."

Umama Fatema, former Chhatra Federation DU leader and current spokesperson for Students Against Discrimination, said their aim is to provide a meaningful platform in Ducsu for students eager to engage in constructive work.