Umama Fatima to Form Independent Panel for DUCSU Election

Umama Fatima, a student of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department (2018-19 session) and a residential student of Sufia Kamal Hall at Dhaka University, has announced her intention to form an independent panel for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, scheduled for September 9, 2025.

In a post on her verified Facebook page on Wednesday night, Umama shared her plans and invited students interested in contesting the election or working for student welfare to join her panel by filling out a form provided in the comments section of her post.

Umama, a former central coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement during the mass uprising in July 2024, also served as the member secretary of the Dhaka University branch of the Student Federation at that time. She resigned from the Student Federation after the uprising and became the spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in October 2024, before parting ways with the movement last month. In her post, Umama emphasized her long-standing commitment to student welfare, stating that she has been involved in student politics since her first year at the university. She highlighted her role in founding the platform “Valid Seat, My Right” to advocate for legitimate residential seats for students. Reflecting on her experiences, she noted that significant change in addressing the university’s challenges is only possible through a unified and legitimate body like DUCSU, driven by the students themselves. “I believe students want leadership in DUCSU that is not controlled by any external forces, remains steadfast in upholding student rights, and does not turn the university into a mere factory for producing leaders,” Umama wrote. She expressed her vision for a research-oriented and forward-thinking panel that will work toward the overall welfare of the university, restoring its lost glory and countering the destruction caused by political dominance.

Umama called on students who share her vision of ensuring fundamental rights, a fair academic environment, and legitimate residential facilities to join her independent panel. She urged interested students to fill out the form to participate in the election or contribute to student welfare initiatives