Cyberbullying has emerged as the main obstacle for female candidates in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) election campaign.
The official campaign for the Ducsu election begins today, Tuesday (August 26). Female candidates have reported that regular offensive comments, rumours, and personal attacks on social media are causing not only mental stress but also a sense of insecurity, making it difficult for them to participate in the campaign.
To prevent cyberbullying and ensure safety on social media, the university administration has announced the temporary suspension of several university-based Facebook groups and pages until September 10.
In a letter sent to the Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the administration has requested necessary action to shut down several identified online pages, including ‘Dhaka Bishwabidyalaya Nirapatta Mancha’, ‘Dhaka Bishwabidyalaya Shikkharthi Sangshad-1’, and ‘Dhaka Bishwabidyalaya Shikkharthi Sangshad-2’, until September 10.
However, despite the administration’s decision, female candidates believe that no effective solution has yet been achieved.
Fahmida Alam, a candidate for the Liberation War and Mass Movement secretary post, urged swift action, instead of merely saying it on paper.
She told Times of Bangladesh, “A specific group is targeting women candidates in DU-centric groups, often using fake IDs. It’s questionable whether they are even students at the University of Dhaka. Their aim is to bully and demoralise women, and this needs to be tackled as a priority.”
Shima Akter, a candidate for the Social Service Secretary post and a victim of such cyberbullying, filed a petition on Monday with the Chief Returning Officer, urging action against those targeting her online.
Speaking to Times of Bangladesh, she said, “I was one of the frontline fighters in the July movement, and that’s why they fear me. They’re trying to ‘virtually mob’ me to break my morale and tarnish my image among students. Instead of confronting me in the election, they’re using cyberbullying as a weapon, not just against me, but against other female candidates as well. But the more they try to break us, the stronger we’ll rise.”
Candidates have alleged that these propaganda efforts are designed to demoralise women and effectively “eliminate” them before the election even begins.
Atika Anjum Orthy, a candidate for the executive member post, described the psychological pressure as overwhelming. She told Times of Bangladesh, “Not everyone has the mental strength to handle this; many break down emotionally.”
She fears that many students, especially women, may hesitate to participate, thinking, “Why should I put myself through this?” This mindset could lead to withdrawal or non-participation.
Regarding this matter, University of Dhaka Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed said, “Tomorrow (August 26) at 11 AM, the Election Commission will hold a discussion with the candidates of the central student union election. Based on the candidates’ suggestions during the meeting, efforts will be made to find an effective solution.”