University Teachers’ Network: Minor Irregularities Found but DUCSU Election Not Unacceptable

The University Teachers’ Network has observed that although there were some minor irregularities in this year’s Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, the polls cannot be termed unacceptable.

The observation was presented by Professor Giti Ara Nasrin at a press conference held on Tuesday (September 9) night in front of the Returning Officers’ office at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building.

Professor Giti Ara Nasrin said, “Overall, this election was an unprecedented one, as we have not seen such a participatory election in a long time. Apart from some minor irregularities and management flaws, we did not find any major inconsistency. At no point did we feel that the election was unacceptable.”

She added, “So far, we have not seen any serious irregularity. What we witnessed were mainly issues of mismanagement, not large-scale misconduct.”

Looking ahead, Professor Giti Ara Nasrin expressed hope that another DUCSU election will be held within a year. “We expect the next election to be better managed, with clearer codes of conduct and fewer errors. Proper preparations, including advance holiday announcements, will encourage greater student participation and ensure a more transparent election. This way, DUCSU can truly serve the students and fulfill its responsibilities,” she said.

Highlighting the shortcomings, Professor Samina Luthfa pointed out gaps in information and lack of transparency. “Polling agents were not appointed in sufficient numbers. Those who received passes often did not get them on time. Compared to the number of applications, fewer passes were approved. Voters did not always get the assistance they needed, and in some cases, they even faced obstacles,” she said.

She added that pre-marked ballot papers were found in two halls. According to her, the recruitment of polling officers was non-transparent, which could have influenced the voting process.

She also noted irregularities in two centres. “At Jagannath Hall and the TSC centre, polling was slowed down repeatedly. At TSC, after an argument with an assistant proctor, the pace of voting dropped further. Mismanagement of crowds also contributed to reduced voting at that centre,” she explained.

She further observed that rules were not applied uniformly across the eight centres. “For example, though candidates were supposed to be allowed inside the polling centers, in many places they were barred. Similarly, the lack of clear instructions on whether voters could bring slips or notes created confusion,” she said.

Another issue was the shortage of manpower. According to the teachers’ network, the unexpectedly large voter turnout, 78 per cent of students, created huge pressure on the polling process, which was worsened by the insufficient training of election officials.

“If these mismanagement issues had been addressed, the election would have gained more credibility,” Professor Luthfa said, while congratulating the students for their enthusiastic participation.

Other members of the University Teachers’ Network present at the press conference included Professor Asif Mohammad Shahan of Development Studies, Associate Professor Tahmina Khanam of Management, Associate Professor Moshahida Sultana of Accounting, Associate Professor Tasnim Siraj Mahbub of English, and Assistant Professor Marzia Rahman of Mass Communication and Journalism.

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