Festive Ducsu polls draw 78% turnout as rivals trade charges of bias

Highlights

• JCD alleges rigging, bias favouring Shibir
• Shibir claims agents forced out to aid JCD
• Independent candidates complain of code violations
• Leaflets, panel lists distributed despite campaign ban
• Observers protest breaches at multiple centres

Students voted in the long-awaited Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) and hall union elections in festive spirit today (9 September), marking a striking 78.33% voter turnout, beginning the revival of an institution dormant for six and a half years. 

The atmosphere was described by many as jubilant and liberating, but the celebrations were tempered by allegations of irregularities, bias, and breaches of electoral codes.

The vote, held across eight centres from 8am to 4pm, will form the 38th committee of Ducsu. Some 39,874 students were registered, including 18,959 from five women's halls and 20,915 from 13 men's halls. 

This year, 471 candidates vied for 28 central posts, drawing in crowds eager to witness the revival of the once-powerful union.

As the count began in the evening, crowds gathered around the campus and nearby intersections, prompting heightened police alert. 

The election carries unusual weight because it is the first since Sheikh Hasina's ouster from power on 5 August 2024, an upheaval that reshaped Bangladesh's political landscape. 

For decades, the Chhatra League, the Awami League's student wing, dominated campus politics. Its subsequent ban has left a vacuum, giving rival groups such as Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir and new alliances a rare chance to compete on more equal footing.

For many students, particularly first-time voters, the day was historic. At Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, student Md Saifur Rahman Safin said he had been awake since the night before in anticipation. "The environment is very festive. I came to campus at 8am. Casting my first ballot feels different," he said.

For others, the polls symbolised a break from the past. "The fascist government deprived us of fair elections," said Najibul Haque, an Islamic Studies student from Sir AF Rahman Hall. "It feels liberating to vote freely. We want DUCSU elections every year."

Although each voter could cast up to 41 ballots for central and hall union posts, many chose not to use all their votes. Some said they were unfamiliar with several candidates due to limited campaigning, while others admitted the lengthy process discouraged them from marking every post.

Accusations, counter accusations

Leaders of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the BNP's student wing, met Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan in the evening to lodge complaints of "widespread irregularities", including alleged vote rigging and administrative bias.

Witnesses said the meeting grew heated as JCD accused the university administration of siding with Islami Chhatra Shibir, the Jamaat-e-Islami-backed panel. "The administration has played a biased role," one JCD leader told reporters afterwards.

Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib, General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir and the president and general secretary of the DU unit, along with a large number of activists were present during the meeting.

Abdul Kader, a vice-president candidate from the Students Against Discrimination panel, accused the Election Commission and administration of colluding with rival panels. 

"Students have come spontaneously to cast their votes. But they are being mocked. The Election Commission has always worked in favour of one group," he said.

Shibir-backed candidates alleged that their polling agents were forced out of centres to benefit JCD. "Our agents were removed while JCD agents were allowed to stay. The administration remained silent," claimed SM Farhad, a general secretary canditate from Oikkoboddho Shikkharthi Jote.

Independent candidate Umama Fatema also voiced concerns. "We are worried about whether there is a level playing field. Many incidents of code violations occurred, with candidates distributing leaflets and entering polling centres," she said.

In response, the university administration stressed its commitment to neutrality. A statement noted that an election officer at Curzon Hall was removed immediately after mistakenly handing two ballot papers to one student. 

"The matter was resolved on the spot. We are committed to ensuring free, fair, and impartial elections," the statement read.

Code of conduct breaches

Observers noted some breaches of electoral rules. By 10:30am, candidates were seen distributing leaflets outside centres such as Curzon Hall, Udayan School, and the Physical Education Centre, despite campaigning being banned since 7 September.

The congestion sparked confrontations. At the Physical Education Centre, Ducsu Social Welfare Secretary AB Zobayer protested against candidates handing out full panel lists. 

He was chased away by activists of Chhatra Dal and Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad, who called him a "mobster".

Sociology professor Samina Lutfa, present as an observer, also protested. Zahurul Haque Hall provost Prof Faruq Shah later said: "We are removing the candidates. Such congestion will no longer occur."

Confusion also erupted over whether candidates could enter polling centres. 

Chhatra Dal-backed vice-president candidate Md Abidul Islam Khan was seen inside a centre, prompting rivals to allege unfair access. 

Chief Returning Officer Mohammad Jasim Uddin later clarified: "Candidates are permitted to enter polling centres. No rules were violated."

Vote counting tensions

The evening count brought fresh flashpoints. At the Dhaka University Club centre, Shibir's vice-president candidate Abu Shadiq Kayem was seen entering just after ballot boxes were opened. 

Photos of his presence circulated online, fuelling complaints that rivals were denied equal access.

At the TSC centre, Chhatra Dal's Abidul Islam Khan and independent candidate Hasibul Islam blocked counting by chanting slogans against "vote thieves". 

They alleged Kayem had been allowed to observe the count while they were stopped.

Crowds on the streets

As dusk fell, groups began gathering at key intersections around the campus. Around 200–300 people were seen at Banglamotor, while others assembled near Shahbagh, Nilkhet, and the High Court Mazar Gate.

The gatherings prompted police to seal off access. "Adequate security has been deployed. No outsiders will be allowed to create unrest," said Deputy Commissioner Md Masud Alam of DMP's Ramna division.

BNP-linked activists claimed Jamaat and Shibir members had massed near the campus. Tariqul Islam, convener of Jatiya Jubo Shakti, posted a video alleging that processions of BNP and Jubo Dal activists were also moving towards DU.

Earlier, Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib had accused Jamaat-Shibir activists of loitering around the campus during the day's voting.