All eyes on DUCSU election: Voting begins amid enthusiasm

Dhaka University students line up to cast their votes during DUCSU elections. Photo- UNB

Dhaka, Sept 9 -Voting in the much-anticipated DUCSU and hall unions elections began on Tuesday morning amid much enthusiasm among students- for many this is the first experience of voting free from fear.

The entire nation has its eyes on the DUCSU election as it is going to seen an election after a gap of six years which is the continuation of a legacy deeply embedded in the nation’s political and social evolution.

The voting will continue till 4pm at eight polling stations.

A total of 471 candidates are contesting for 28 positions in this year’s Ducsu election.

Over the past 13 days, candidates ran vibrant campaigns in a festive atmosphere, employing creative methods to win over voters.

A total of 39,775 students are set to cast their votes in the elections.

Among the registered voters, 20,873 are male students while 18,902 are female students.

Among the candidates 48 are vying for the post of Vice President (VP), 19 for General Secretary (GS), and 25 for Assistant General Secretary (AGS). For the post of Liberation War and Democratic Movement Secretary, there are 17 candidates. For Common Room, Reading Room, and Cafeteria Secretary, 11 candidates are contesting, while 14 are running for International Affairs Secretary.

Besides, 19 candidates are contesting for Literature and Cultural Secretary, 12 for Science and Technology Secretary, 9 for Research and Publication Secretary, 13 for Sports Secretary and 12 for Student Transport Secretary.

For the post of Social Service Secretary, there are 17 candidates; Health and Environment Secretary, 15; Human Rights and Law Secretary, 11; and Career Development Secretary, 15.

This time, for the member posts, a total of 217 candidates will compete.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken stringent security measures to ensure order during the polls.

The security measures include check-posts at campus gates, regular patrols, deployment of officers with body cameras, SWAT teams, bomb disposal squads, intelligence units, CCTV surveillance and patrol by special forces.

Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have joined duty.

A total of 1,771 police officers were deployed on Monday while another 2,096 are scheduled to be deployed today.

Traffic restrictions were enforced in and around Shahbagh, High Court, Nilkhet, Shahidullah Hall and Polashi roads during the election period.

Commuters are advised to use alternative routes.

Besides, an arms ban has been imposed in the DMP area from 8 pm on September 8 until 12 pm on September 11.

Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan has reaffirmed the university’s commitment to conducting this year’s Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) elections with the utmost transparency and security.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Professor Niaz said, “We want to conduct this year’s DUCSU elections with the highest level of transparency — and transparency will be our greatest strength.”

He mentioned that despite various challenges, the university administration has successfully overcome obstacles in cooperation with all stakeholders.

In a bid to ensure transparency and build student confidence, the vote count for the DUCSU and Hall Parliament elections will be broadcast live on LED screens installed outside each polling station.

Professor Dr Mohammad Zashim Uddin, Chief Returning Officer of the DUCSU election, confirmed the move in a statement Sunday night, highlighting efforts to make the electoral process more open and credible.

The Election Commission announced that bags, mobile phones, smartwatches, electronic devices, water bottles, or any liquid substances will not be allowed inside polling centers.

Besides, the University authorities will operate a special shuttle service on election day to facilitate student voters' movement across campus.

The special shuttle will run in a circular route from 7:45 am to 3:50 pm on September 9, covering major campus points including the Geology Department, Curzon Hall, Shahbagh, TSC, Udayan School, Teachers' Club, ULAB School and College, Senate Building, and Physical Education Center. - UNB