DUCSU Election 2025: Campaign officially kicks off today

The official campaign for the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections 2025 begins today (Tuesday).

From now until 7 September 11.00 pm, candidates and panels will be allowed to run their campaigns on the university campus and in the residential halls, following the election code of conduct.

According to the rules, no candidate or panel is allowed to provide financial, social, or service-based assistance during the campaign.

Organising religious gatherings or conducting campaign activities inside religious institutions will also be considered violations of the code.

Any breach will be treated as a punishable offense under Section 17 of the Election Code of Conduct.

In a press release issued on Monday, the Election Commission stated that in female dormitories, both residential and non-residential candidates will be permitted to campaign daily from 10 am to 10 pm between 26 August and 7 September.

Students who do not want their photographs displayed on the final voter list have been asked to submit a request to the Chief Returning Officer by 27 August.

The voter list, which was previously open to the public, has now been restricted following student applications.

However, the final list remains accessible to relevant halls and offices.

After reviewing appeals against rejected nomination papers, the commission has validated several candidacies.

Meanwhile, the tribunal committee, formed to settle appeals and rule on code-of-conduct violations, recommended the removal of Julius Caesar Talukdar and Bayezid Bostami from both voter and candidate lists due to alleged links with banned organisations and involvement in violent activities.

The matter has been forwarded to the university syndicate for administrative action.

In contrast, allegations against Asaduzzaman Jilani and Md Khairul Alam were dismissed as they were not supported with sufficient evidence, nor did the complaint documents carry the complainant's signature.

The university administration has urged all students, teachers, and stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring transparency and a peaceful election environment.

High-Level Security Meeting

To strengthen security ahead of the polls, a special meeting was held on Monday at the Vice Chancellor's office with senior representatives from law enforcement agencies. Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan presided over the meeting.

Among those present were Chief Returning Officer Professor Dr. Mohammad Jasim Uddin, other returning officers, Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmad, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali, DIG of City SB Mir Ashraf Ali, DC of DMP Ramna Zone Md Masud Alam, and Shahbagh Police Station OC Mohammad Khalid Monsur.

The meeting reviewed the overall security situation on the campus and finalised strategies to maintain law and order, ensure the safety of polling centres, allow students to cast their votes without obstruction, and guarantee fair vote counting.

The university administration reaffirmed its commitment to taking all necessary measures to keep the election atmosphere fair, peaceful, transparent, and secure.

Umama accused

of breaching code

Meanwhile, Umama Fatema, vice-president candidate from the Independent Students Unity panel in the DUCSU election, has been accused of breaking the electoral code by entering inside Rokeya Hall on Sunday midnight.

The incident has created a lot of debate and criticism among students. Umama later admitted her mistake and said, "I entered the hall breaking the rules, and I have apologised to the hall administration."

Students said they saw her inside Rokeya Hall after 1:00 am on Monday. According to the rules, a student from one hall cannot enter another, and gates of all women halls remain closed at night. Because of this, her presence there at that time raised questions.

Chhatra Dal's VP candidate Abidul Islam Khan said, "Umama's entry into Rokeya Hall has raised doubts about a level playing field. Though the rule was supposed to be relaxed for the election, that starts from tomorrow, not before. Apologising after breaking the law does not make it right. I hope the Election Commission will take action."

Later on Monday, Umama explained her side through a Facebook post. She wrote "Many people are talking about my entry into Rokeya Hall. I did not go there for campaigning or asking for votes. I went to see a friend for mental relief after going through stress. I entered the hall before 10pm when the gates were still open, not at 1:30 am as some are claiming. Nobody can prove that I campaigned inside the hall. These accusations are being made only to harass me because I am an independent candidate."

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