DUCSU Election Campaign Ends, DU Campus Buzzes with Festive Energy

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election is set to take place on September 9 at Dhaka University (DU). After a six-year hiatus, the campus has come alive with a festive atmosphere surrounding the election. The official campaign, which began on August 26, concluded today (Sunday). During this period, candidates and their supporters campaigned vibrantly from morning till night at Madhu’s Canteen, TSC, Curzon Hall, various faculties, and residential halls. Candidates are allowed to campaign until 11 PM tonight.

However, the widespread distribution of leaflets and handbills has been particularly noticeable. These papers, handed out to voters, often end up littering the streets, creating piles of paper around TSC, Curzon Hall, and the Faculty of Business Studies. While this reflects the intensity of the campaign, it has also sparked criticism among students regarding environmental pollution.

**Innovative Campaign Strategies** Candidates have adopted creative tactics to attract voters’ attention in this election. One candidate for an executive member position printed leaflets resembling a 1,000-taka note, sparking curiosity among students. Another candidate designed campaign materials in the shape of a U.S. dollar bill. Additionally, leaflets styled like newspaper clippings, featuring cats for cat lovers, hand fans, and badminton rackets have been used to promote campaigns. Candidates employed these innovative strategies until the final moments to engage voters. Notably, the campaign atmosphere remained relatively peaceful, with no major conflicts or untoward incidents reported. **Room-to-Room Campaigning in Halls** The election fervor has created a festive mood across the campus. Candidates contesting for DUCSU’s central committee have been visiting residential halls, going room-to-room to seek votes, distributing leaflets, and sharing their manifestos. They have outlined their plans if elected, engaging directly with voters throughout the campaign period, either individually or in groups. **Active Campaigning for Hall Elections** Alongside the central committee, candidates for hall union elections have been equally active. They have highlighted residential students’ issues and promised solutions, including improving dining facilities, establishing gymnasiums, providing sports equipment, and enhancing library and study room facilities. On the final day, candidates in each hall were busy interacting directly with students, presenting their plans and engaging in discussions. Even on the last day of campaigning, room-to-room efforts did not stop. Candidates spoke directly with voters from morning till night, sharing their visions. Many sat with students to discuss academic and residential life challenges. Candidates believe these direct interactions in the final moments could significantly influence the election outcome. **Anticipation of Close Contest and Administrative Preparations** Election analysts predict a fiercely competitive race, with candidates from various panels and independents working tirelessly using their unique strategies. The Vice President (VP), General Secretary (GS), and Assistant General Secretary (AGS) positions are expected to see particularly intense competition. The university administration has taken all necessary measures to ensure a fair and free election. The number of polling booths has been increased, and investigations are underway against those accused of violating the code of conduct, with appropriate actions being taken, according to the authorities. Chief Returning Officer Professor Jasim Uddin stated that security has been strengthened across the campus ahead of election day. Measures include restrictions on outsiders entering the campus and comprehensive preparations to prevent any disruptions. Hundreds of electronic and print media journalists will also be present on election day. The administration is vigilant to prevent any electoral malpractices. **Students’ Enthusiasm and Expectations** Many students, especially those voting in a significant election for the first time, expressed excitement. Jilhaj Sheikh, a Political Science student at DU, said, “We want a free and fair election where true representatives are elected. Our expectation is that elected candidates do not forget their manifestos after the election.” Ashikur Rahman, a Marketing student, remarked, “The festive atmosphere across the campus feels great. We all want a free and fair election where students can vote for their preferred candidates without fear.” **Candidates’ Statements** Abu Sadik Kayem, the VP candidate from the student panel “United Students Alliance” backed by Chhatra Shibir, said, “Just as exams are held annually, we will work to ensure DUCSU elections are held on a fixed schedule by including them in the academic calendar. We will also ensure job opportunities for students with excellent academic records. In the past, teacher recruitment was influenced by political ideologies. We will address the long-standing housing crisis by compelling the administration to construct new halls, ensure health and food safety, and create an environment that fulfills the aspirations of students joining DU.” Abidul Islam Khan, the VP candidate from Chhatra Dal, stated, “Ensuring women students’ safety, equal rights for all regardless of religion, caste, or creed, fostering a tolerant political culture, and securing everyone’s voting rights are our top priorities. The August 5 movement showed our unity, but subsequent tagging and framing were attempts at depoliticization. We want a tolerant political culture where differences and debates exist, but we remain united for the nation’s interest.” Tanvir Bari Hamim, the GS candidate from Chhatra Dal, said, “We campaigned for the last 11 days, visiting students’ rooms in residential halls. We shared our plans to work in students’ interests if elected and received positive responses.” Abdul Kader, the VP candidate from the Anti-Discrimination Students’ Parliament panel, said, “Voting centers for women students have been placed far from halls to discourage their participation. The administration has created fear by talking about military deployment while keeping exams ongoing. We believe the administration still has time to ensure students can make DUCSU effective after so many years.” **Campus-Wide Security Measures** On the final day of campaigning, the university administration began enhancing security measures across the campus. Additional police have been deployed at key locations, and the election commission announced the establishment of security checkpoints at the campus’s seven entry points. The administration has ensured all necessary arrangements for a fair, peaceful, and impartial election.

From 8 PM Monday to 6 AM Wednesday, DU’s entry points (Shahbag, Palashi, Doyel Chattar, Shib Bari Crossing, Fuller Road, Udayan School, and Nilkhet) will remain closed to the public. However, students, teachers, and staff with valid DU ID cards will be allowed entry. Family members of teachers and staff can enter by showing photocopies of their respective ID cards. During this period, only DU-stickered vehicles and emergency service vehicles (ambulances, medical, law enforcement, journalists, and fire services) will be permitted on campus.