93 more collect nomination forms in extended deadline

The Election Commission of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union's (DUCSU) polls has extended the deadline for collecting nomination forms till Tuesday (August 19).

On the day, 93 more candidates collected nomination papers, raising the total number of candidates to 658.

Chief Returning Officer Professor Jasim Uddin announced the updated figures at a press briefing at the Senate Building. He also said that 106 candidates submitted their completed forms on Tuesday and all candidates must submit their forms by (Wednesday) August 20.

Meanwhile, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has not yet finalised its panel. However, several leaders collected nomination forms individually on the last day.

On Monday, JCD leader BM Kausar, Abidul Islam Khan, and Mominul Haque Jisan collected nomination papers for the Vice President post. For the General Secretary position, Tanvir Bari Hamim and Abidur Rahman Mishu collected forms, while Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed collected a form for the Additional Genelar Secretary post.

According to JCD leaders, the organisation instructed interested students to collect forms individually. The final list of candidates is expected to be announced by Wednesday.

In this regard, Tanvir Bari Hamim, convener of Jasimuddin Hall JCD, said, "Our panel has not been finalised yet. We will announce the full panel either Tuesday night or Wednesday."

Democratic Students' Alliance has announced a full panel under the banner of Protirodh Parshad (Resistance Council) for the upcoming DUCSU election. Revolutionary Students' Unity general secretary Jabir Ahmed Jubel announced the panel at a press conference in Madhur Canteen on Tuesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangshad (BGCS) and independent panels have also yet to publish their final lists of candidates. According to the sources, they will announce it very soon.

BGCS leaders have protested the one-day extension for collecting and submitting nomination papers, calling it a "conspiracy to delay the election."

At a press conference on Monday night, BGCS leaders alleged that the administration is acting with bias. They claimed the extension was granted to benefit JCD, while also warning that any attempt to occupy the campus, similar to student politics of Chatra League, would be resisted by general students.

Chief Election Commissioner Professor Mohammad Jasim Uddin said,"We did not extend the deadline to give anyone special privilege. You all saw how many students gathered yesterday. DUCSU is their democratic right. We extended the time only to ensure that all students can properly exercise that right."

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