The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) election is taking place today amid a festive atmosphere and heightened political significance. It is closely watched as a potential indicator of the national political climate ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections.
As the first election under the interim government, it is a critical test of the administration’s ability to conduct free and fair elections, especially in the politically sensitive student sector.
“The outcome of the election will have significant implications in politics. A peaceful and transparent election will enhance the interim government’s credibility, while any controversy or unrest could fuel political tensions ahead of the general elections,” political analyst Professor Dilara Choudhury told TIMES of Bangladesh.
She believes that the election is crucial for both BNP and Jamaat. “A win will give a clear message to either of the parties about whether the students are in their support or against them.”
The election is a litmus test for BNP and Jamaat since both major parties are backing panels formed by their respective student organisations – Jatiyatabadi Chhatra and Islami Chhatra Shibir. However, the panel of Umama Fatema, one of the key organisers of the July Uprising, and Abdul Kader of the Anti-Discrimination Students Council are also being considered as tough contenders in the polls.
As many as 471 aspirants, divided into 10 panels formed by the student wings of different political parties, and independent candidates, are set to contest the 28 posts of Ducsu, while 1,035 candidates are vying for 13 posts in each of the 18 residential hall units.
Members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, which won 23 out of the 25 posts in the last Ducsu polls, are not in the race for the first time since the country’s independence, as the student body has been banned following the fall of Sheikh Hasina through a mass uprising.
Top brass of all political parties, including BNP and Jamaat, are closely monitoring the polls.
Voting starts at 8:00am and will continue until 4:00pm without any break. As many as 39,775 voters will exercise their rights in the election to elect their representatives.
The Ducsu election will be held outside the residential halls for the first time. The authorities have set up 810 polling booths to facilitate smooth voting.
A festive environment has been prevailing on campus, with aspirants putting in their final efforts to win their respective posts.
Voters say that this election is not just about electing new leadership but is also considered a crucial milestone in determining the future course of student politics in the country.
The preparations by the administration, the promises made by the candidates, the security arrangements, and various debates have made this election highly significant, they say.
As part of the security arrangements, CCTV cameras have been installed on campus, archways have been set up, and proper lighting arrangements have been made.
A three-tier security system has been placed, involving the police, Rapid Action Battalion, Ansar, and mobile courts.
This year’s election campaign has seen innovations in the form of digital platforms, including social media. However, issues such as cyberbullying and blaming rival panels have escalated tensions and dampened the election environment.
Although the administration has promised to address these complaints, many students are still questioning whether such practices will continue on election day.
The number of female candidates has risen in this election, but the percentage remains as low as 13 per cent compared to men. Despite this, women voters are considered crucial in determining the outcome.
ducsu chief returning officer Professor Zashim Uddin, at a briefing on Monday, expressed hope for a free, fair, and impartial election. “We are following the constitution and code of conduct to ensure that,” he said.
He brushed aside the allegations of bias towards any panel. Regarding security and entry passes, he said that students must show a valid ID.
“For first-year students without IDs, the admission slip from the bank will be accepted. Hall IDs, departmental IDs, or library cards will also be valid. Without these, students will not be allowed to enter,” he said.
“Outside each centre, LED screens will display the counting process so candidates and observers can watch transparently,” he added.
He also said counting would start immediately after voting ends, and results from each centre would be displayed, with a final combined result officially announced later.
