What’s behind Shibir’s Ducsu stunner?

Dhaka University witnessed a political upheaval on Tuesday as Islami Chhatra Shibir secured a landslide victory in the Ducsu elections, capturing nearly all central and hall posts.

The scale of the win stunned rival groups and reflected a clear generational shift in student politics, signalling a demand for credible, student-focused leadership.

According to analysts, Shibir's triumph was the result of meticulous preparation and strategic campaigning. Over the past year, the group built a disciplined presence across campus, strengthening hall-level presence, connecting directly with students, and running visible, student-friendly programmes. 

In July, we marched for change. In September, we voted for it.

A voter

Its leaders emphasised reconciliation, inclusivity, and solutions-oriented policies, deliberately avoiding the confrontational politics that often marred other panels. 

By engaging female voters and drawing on historical narratives, including the July uprising and memories of forced "guestroom" practices, Shibir successfully aligned itself with the aspirations and frustrations of Gen-Z students.

"Over the past year, they organised initiatives that really mattered to students and stayed visible and approachable," said Hammadur Rahman, a DU student. "Compared to other organisations, they appeared far more organised."

Shibir also strategically built "soft power" on campus by securing leadership positions in various residential hall-based clubs, including voluntary blood donation groups, debating societies, and literary forums. In contrast, Chhatra Dal, despite its re-entry into campus politics following the July uprising, has yet to consolidate itself in such spaces.

Shibir's strong presence in district and upazila level student welfare associations further bolstered its influence. Observers note that this grassroots network played a significant role in driving the high voter turnout in its favour.

Rival groups struggled to match Shibir's disciplined approach. BNP's student wing, Chhatra Dal, ran an energetic campaign despite only three weeks of preparation and managed second-place finishes in several key races. 

Analysts suggest that with more time and better hall-level mobilisation, the outcome could have been closer. Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad suffered a dramatic collapse, with even its leading candidates failing to cross the competitive vote mark. 

Meanwhile, the leftist alliance Pratirodh Parishad performed largely as expected, though independent candidate Meghmallar Bosu's nearly 5,000 votes positioned him as a potential face of a "New Left."

Professor Sabbir Ahmed of Dhaka University's Political Science Department noted that the results underscored Gen-Z students' desire for change. 

"Students wanted a credible alternative, and Shibir delivered through organisation, discipline, and inclusive messaging. While they did well among female voters, minority support was limited. Still, their preparation gave them a decisive edge," he told The Business Standard. 

Ahmed added that the polls were conducted fairly and could serve as a "model" for future national elections.

The election outcome reflects a broader realignment in campus politics. Formerly dominant groups have lost credibility, while Shibir's disciplined strategy and Chhatra Dal's resurgence are redefining influence on campus. 

Rather than a simple BNP-versus-Jamaat binary, the results reveal a more complex landscape shaped by organisation, student engagement, and generational priorities. 

Smaller parties and independent candidates still have opportunities to succeed if they combine grassroots work with credibility and visible impact.

For many students, the election was more than a contest for positions, it was a reclaiming of agency after years of frustration. One voter summed it up succinctly: "In July we marched for change. In September, we voted for it."