Administration takes steps to prevent violation of code

Dhaka University administration has announced a series of strict measures to ensure the fair and smooth conduct of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections 2025, while controversies have already surfaced after a vice-president candidate was accused of breaching the election code of conduct.

The election commission disclosed these measures on Sunday (24 August).

Among these, the administration hase written to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) seeking the immediate suspension of several identified online pages-Dhaka University Nirapotta Moncho, Dhaka University Chhatra Shangsad-1, Dhaka University Chhatra Shangsad-2 until September 10 in order to curb cyberbullying and misinformation during the polls.

The administration has also suspended all activities and shuttle services of the Green Future Foundation on campus until 10 September, citing concerns that its services could unduly influence the election process. In addition, the authorities have ordered the removal of all billboards and banners already put up by candidates or their supporters.

No candidate or group will be allowed to engage in voluntary or service-related activities during the election period. The distribution of gifts, hospitality, financial aid, or similar activities will be strictly prohibited and treated as violations of the election code of conduct.

According to the guidelines, campaigning inside halls or on the campus will remain restricted until August 25. Candidates will be permitted to officially campaign between August 26 and September 7, until 11:00 pm, either individually or under an organisational banner.

However, they will remain barred from offering social, financial, or service-related assistance, organising religious gatherings, or campaigning within religious premises.

Any violation will be considered a punishable offense under Section 17 of the election regulations.

Amid these announcements, allegations of misconduct surfaced against Abidul Islam Khan, the vice-president (VP) candidate backed by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD).

On Saturday (August23), he reportedly entered the reading room of Amar Ekushey Hall and campaigned among students, an activity strictly prohibited under DUCSU election rules.

A video of the incident has since gone viral on university-based social media groups, showing Abidul Islam shaking hands, introducing himself, and asking for votes while students were studying.

According to Section 6(c) of the election code, no campaign activity is permitted in spaces where academic activities may be disrupted, such as classrooms, reading rooms, and examination halls.

Following the incident, Shahjamal Sayem, a student of Kabi Jasimuddin Hall, submitted a written complaint to the Chief Returning Officer, calling the act a violation of Sections 4(a) and 4(b) of the code. In his complaint, he wrote "Such acts of disregarding the election commission's instructions are clear violations. These illegal practices are causing distress and unease among voters."

The controversy has sparked strong reactions from other panels. The independent panel Swatantra Shikkharthi Oikyo, led by Umama Fatema, lodged a memorandum demanding that necessary measures be taken to ensure a level-playing field.

Meanwhile, the leftist coalition panel Protibad Parishad held a press conference at Madhur Canteen on Sunday morning, urging the administration to take immediate action against repeated violations.

The panel alleged that rallies during form collection, obstruction in submitting forms, illegal display of billboards and banners, and campaigning inside halls and mosques had already taken place, all in breach of the election code. They emphasised the need for stronger administrative intervention to protect the credibility of the polls.

armanhossen7971@gmail.com