Will base academic reforms on the ideals of ’71 and ’24

If elected vice-president in the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students' Union election, Nayem Hasan has pledged to focus on academic reform grounded in the spirit of 1971 and 2024.

In an interview with The Daily Star, Nayem, the VP candidate from the "Aporajeyo '71-Adommo '24" panel, said, "Since the uprising, there have been attempts to create a controversy over the Liberation War, or 1971. Efforts are being made to pit 1971 and 2024 against each other.

"I would say both are equally important for us. One was the struggle for national liberation, the other was the fight against fascism. We were all comrades in the 2024 movement. There's no scope to single out anyone as a so-called 'July warrior.' What we need now is educational reform based on the ideals of 1971 and 2024. This is the work I want to do if I win the Ducsu election."

The panel, composed of three left-leaning student organisations -- Chhatra Union (faction), Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, and JSD Chhatra League-BCL -- was formed with the aim of building an overall student-friendly and inclusive campus, Nayem explained.

"We have been fighting for student rights for a long time. That is why I believe we will get strong support in the Ducsu election, and I am confident that the results on September 9 will reflect that."

Pledging to prioritise the fundamental issues faced by the students, he said, "There is no end to problems at Dhaka University. Making impractical plans over countless issues is futile. I will focus on ensuring four basic needs -- food, education, accommodation, and healthcare.

"I will push for hall canteens to be run under the direct supervision of the university administration. I will also work to make the medical centre fully functional for 24 hours, set up medical corners in every hall, and establish pharmacies in hall areas."

A student of the Department of Communication Disorders, Nayem said his greatest strength was his communication with the students. "From my involvement in the struggle for ensuring students' rights, I can confidently say that I will be better at dealing with issues professionally for students' rights. My engagement with students is stronger compared to other candidates, and I believe this is why students will vote for me."

However, he expressed concern over the Ducsu electoral environment. "The university administration is trying to give space to anti-liberation forces. Some panels and independent candidates have violated the electoral code, yet the administration has taken no action. There have even been attempts to give the incident of banner removal a political shape from a religious perspective."