DUCSU Election: Chhatra Dal Protests, Issues Warning to Administration

Dhaka, September 1, 2025: Following a High Court order to suspend the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election in response to a writ petition, activists and leaders of Bangladesh Chhatra League (Chhatra Dal) staged protests on the Dhaka University campus. The demonstrations took place on Monday afternoon, led by various student organizations and candidates of DUCSU election panels. Around 5 PM, Chhatra Dal organized a protest march starting from the Vice-Chancellor’s Square, passing through Madhu’s Canteen, and concluding with a brief rally in front of the Aparajeyo Bangla monument.

During the rally, Abidul Islam Khan, the Chhatra Dal-supported panel’s candidate for Vice-President (VP), stated that no one has the authority to obstruct the DUCSU election. He declared, “Let me make it clear: the DUCSU election will be held on September 9, and no one has the power to stop it.”

Addressing the university administration and the DUCSU election commission, Abidul Islam said, “You have organized an election in a way that leaves loopholes for halting it.” The suspension order came after a writ was filed regarding the candidacy of SM Farhad, the general secretary candidate from the Islamic Chhatra Shibir-supported panel, who is also part of the “Unconquerable ’71, Indomitable ’24” panel for the Liberation War and Democratic Movement Affairs Secretary post. Abidul Islam commented, “Farhad did not resign from his Chhatra League position before or after August 5. While other Chhatra League officeholders were excluded, he was retained.” Abidul Islam further criticized the administration, saying, “The university administration appointed Shishir Monir as a lawyer for the DUCSU-related writ. Are you mocking us, standing on our blood? You were not placed here to represent any political party.” Highlighting repeated complaints about candidates violating the code of conduct, the Chhatra Dal leader noted, “The election commission has taken no action. Be cautious and maintain neutrality.” Dhaka University Chhatra Dal President Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahu added, “No more excuses will be tolerated. The university administration must act responsibly.” Shortly after the High Court’s suspension order, the Chamber Court stayed the decision, clearing the way for the DUCSU election to proceed without further obstacles.