DUCSU elections: Conflicting surveys spark row over neutrality as Shibir, Chhatra Dal claim lead

Ahead of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) polls, a series of surveys claiming to show voter preferences have stirred controversy, with critics questioning both their neutrality and methodology.

Four different organisations have so far published findings. In three of them, Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed vice-president (VP) candidate Abu Shadik Kayem was shown to hold a commanding lead.

At least two of the organisations involved are directly linked to Shibir activists, raising concerns of bias.

In contrast, another survey, circulated by writer Mohiuddin Mohammad on behalf of the “Bangladesh Public Academy”, projected BNP-backed Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal candidate Abidul Islam Khan far ahead.

The conflicting results have fuelled debate over whether the surveys were conducted impartially.

At a press conference on Sunday, Dhaka University Research Sangsad said its online survey of 900 students suggested 20.9 per cent support for Shibir’s United Student Alliance, 16.4 per cent for Chhatra Dal’s panel, and 38.8 per cent for independent candidates.

Support for other panels included Democratic Student Union 4.7 per cent, Combined Students’ Council 1.6 per cent, and seven left-wing student organisations 2.1 per cent.

The group said it surveyed 44 per cent female and 56 per cent male students, including both residential (45 per cent) and non-residential (55 per cent) students from nine halls.

It claimed that 78 per cent of respondents were fully aware of the election schedule, 21 per cent partially aware, and 1 per cent unaware.

Two other organisations, Narrative and Sochchar, also published findings.

Narrative’s founder Abdullah Mohammad Ruhel told a press conference that 95 per cent of students were keen to vote. He claimed 42 per cent of decided voters backed Shibir’s Shadik Kayem for VP, with 16.5 per cent supporting independent Shamim Hossain.

However, questions were raised as Narrative has previously hosted discussions involving Shibir leaders.

Sochchar said it polled 991 students between Aug 1 and Aug 20, showing 32 per cent support for Shibir, 22 per cent for independents, and 7 per cent for Chhatra Dal, with 34 per cent undecided.

But its President Anas Ibn Munir is himself contesting the DUCSU election from Shibir-backed panel.

Munir denied personal involvement in the poll, saying it was conducted by the organisation’s parent body.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Public Academy survey of 240 “willing voters” showed Chhatra Dal’s VP candidate Abidul ahead with 46 per cent, followed by BAGCHAS VP nominee Abdul Kader at 18 per cent, independent candidate Umama Fatema at 12 per cent. and Shibir’s Shadik at 9 per cent.

Independent GS candidate Al Sadi Bhuiyan questioned the legitimacy of the polls.

“These so-called surveys may be manipulated by party supporters, even bots. They are not neutral,” he said.

Speaking to bdnews24.com, Independent AGS candidate Tahmid Al Mudassir Chowdhury said: “On the ground we see one reality, but online surveys suggest another. These are attempts to influence voters. Students will give their answer through the ballot on the 9th of September.”

Kader added. “Research can be important before elections, but how can we expect neutrality when Narrative’s president is a Shibir activist? This is meant to mislead students. They will reply on polling day.”

Repeated attempts to contact Shibir-backed Shadik Kayem, GS candidate Farhad, and AGS candidate Mohiuddin Khan went unanswered.