Umama Fatema alleges code of conduct breaches inside DUCSU polling centres

Despite expressing satisfaction with the turnout of female students in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections, vice president hopeful Umama Fatema has voiced concern over alleged breaches of the election code inside polling centres.

Umama, a prominent figure from the July Uprising who is contesting the DUCSU polls from the Independent Student Unity panel, visited the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) polling station during the vote on Tuesday.

“Girls are coming to vote very spontaneously. It is actually a real joy,” she said.

“We thought that female students, especially non-resident female students, might have a low voter turnout. But I will say that non-resident students, female students, are coming to vote with much more enthusiasm. This is a matter of pride for Dhaka University and for us. Students are aware of their responsibility, their right to vote.”

She added that the voter queues were moving slowly.

“You can see that a very long line has formed here,” she said.

“Again, there have been many problems related to polling agents. There are many violations of the code of conduct inside the centre. We are actually worried about these, how much level playing field there is here, and whether there is sabotage or not.”

Umama alleged that some candidates were ignoring the restrictions placed on their movements.

“Candidates are not supposed to go inside the centre. But they are going to many areas. Many candidates are personally going to the centres of the boys’ halls. Posters and leaflets are being distributed. We are worried about these,” she said.

She arrived at the TSC centre at 9:45am, after visiting the Department of Earth Sciences and the Laboratory School centres.

“So far, students are voting in a very festive atmosphere,” she said.

“I am receiving complaints that some candidates are entering the polling stations. Besides, the voting atmosphere is good. I am seeing great enthusiasm among the students. It feels good to see this.”

Voting began at 8am across eight centres and will continue until 4pm in 810 booths. Nearly 40,000 students are eligible to vote. A total of 471 candidates are contesting 28 DUCSU posts, with over 1,000 others vying for 234 hall union positions. At least 10 panels are in the race, alongside many independents.