Ducsu aspirants make last-minute push for votes
The environment at Dhaka University campus was festive yesterday -- the last day of campaigning for the Ducsu election to be held tomorrow, after a six-year hiatus.
In their final efforts to reach out to students, the candidates from different panels distributed leaflets and manifestos on campus.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. A total of 471 candidates will contest for 28 positions in the Ducsu election, while 1,109 are running for a total of 234 posts in the hall union elections. There are 18 dormitories, with 13 posts for each hall.
Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal candidates organised an oath-taking programme in front of the arts faculty, where around 200 candidates joined.
They made an eight-point pledge to ensure a joyful, liveable, and safe DU campus for every student.
"The hateful practices of the fascist era -- such as 'gonoroom culture', guestroom torture, forced political participation, and persecution for dissent -- will never return to our campus at any cost," they pledged.
Other pledges included creating a safe and supportive environment for female students; ensuring that no outsiders can reside in the halls; securing affordable nutritious food, quality healthcare, and transport for all; protecting DU students from online threats; and transforming the university into a prestigious institution.
Meghmallar Bosu, the general secretary candidate from Pratirodh Parshad -- a panel nominated by left-leaning Ganatantrik Chhatra Jote -- joined the campaigning in a wheelchair after getting an early release from the hospital. He had been in a private hospital for the past five days and underwent multiple surgeries.
Asked how the students received them, VP candidate from Boishommo Birodhi Shikkharthi Sangsad, Abdul Qader told BSS, "We're getting an incredible response. We've done a lot of student-friendly work before and after August 5. Students want a place of trust. Trust is created when words and actions match. We think we were able to do that."
Talking to BSS, Shaikh Tanvir Baree Hamim, GS candidate from the Chhatra Dal panel, said they are very hopeful about the election. "Since the beginning of the campaign, students have been responding very positively. We're committed to working for the students and building a better and safe campus for all students."
Al Sadi Bhuiyan, GS candidate from Swatantra Shikkharthi Oikya, told BSS that he, along with his panel members, was getting hopeful responses from students who want a peaceful and safe campus.
Afterwards, in a press briefing, Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangshad alleged that the students are not satisfied with the management of polling centres.
"The way the centres have been organised seems designed to ensure the victory of particular contenders," said Abu Baker Mojumder, the GS candidate from the panel.
During a press conference at Madhur Canteen, VP candidate from Oikyaboddho Shikkharthi Jote, Abu Shadik Kayem, said their campaign had received a positive response from students across halls and faculties.
Panel leader SM Farhad said the alliance aims to keep campus politics student-oriented and separate from national political influence, envisioning a "dream campus" for all.
Mobashiruzzaman Hasan, a postgrad student, told BSS, "This year's Ducsu election is going to be the most festive one. I, personally, observed that candidates approaching the students with all their creativity."
Samsul Alam, another student, said, "It feels good when candidates approach with manifestoes to build a better campus. Ducsu is a channel to connect with people of diverse creativity and ideology with common goals."
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, from a meeting at his residence at Jamuna yesterday, directed the law enforcement agencies to extend all-out cooperation to Dhaka University authorities to ensure a peaceful and festive atmosphere during the Ducsu elections.
The VP and GS candidates from different panels also joined a debate programme organised by the Dhaka University Teachers' Network.
Tomorrow's polling will continue uninterrupted from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Students entering the centres by 4:00pm can cast their votes.
A total of 39,775 voters have been enlisted, and the number of polling booths has been increased to 810 in eight centres.
Chief Returning Officer Prof Mohammad Zashim Uddin said special buses on existing routes have been arranged for non-residential students, and the campus shuttle services will operate the whole day.
Vice Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan yesterday visited different centres to observe the setting up of booths.
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