It was a different Sunday on the Dhaka University campus. Candidates for the long-awaited Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) election roamed with leaflets, and voters responded with unexpected warmth. Smiles and curiosity lit up the faces of many students who welcomed the leaflets—most decorated with creative ideas and designs that had already become a talking point.
By the afternoon, the campus had taken on a festive mood. With the campaign set to close that night, the Ducsu building, Madhu’s Canteen, and the residential halls buzzed with activity, more like a fairground than a university preparing for a tense ballot.
“This is the most happening day since the election schedule was announced last month,” said a female student standing at the Ruqayyah Hall gate, where several aspirants were distributing their final campaign flyers. For her, the imagination and creativity in the campaigning had been the standout feature.
To bring uniqueness to the campaign, candidates used creative themes like “bank note”, “Uno card”, “Breaking Bad”, and “passport” for leaflet distribution, which received a good response from students, according to them.
The last day of canvassing stretched deep into the night. Candidates made their rounds from halls to canteens and across the campus, using every hour until midnight to win over hearts and minds. As the university authorities now brace for Tuesday’s polls, the entire campus seems poised for what could be one of the most closely watched student elections in years.
Independent and panel-based candidates exchanged greetings with students and presented their manifestos.
For political parties, especially the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat, the Ducsu election is a litmus test as it serves as a microcosm of the national political landscape where parties can gauge the support and influence of their student factions.
The interim government, which will oversee the next national elections, closely monitors Ducsu elections. The way this election unfolds can influence the government’s approach to maintaining order and ensuring a fair election process in the run-up to the February 2026 elections.
Talking to TIMES of Bangladesh, independent candidate for Literary and Cultural Affairs Secretary Mohammad Lanzu Khan said they were confused about whether the election would be held due to the recent legal issues. “As the air cleared up, we are getting a huge response from students in the final stage of our campaigning activities.”
Khan recently gained attention for a Ducsu-themed song among students.
Campaigning through social media platforms gained traction, as several candidates said that memes, documentaries, video content, and graphics helped them interact with a vast number of students.
“Students are enjoying the festivity. Candidates are approaching voters with manifestos, and students are showing interest in reading them,” said Mohammad Ayazur Rahman, a student of the Institute of Social Welfare and Research.
While voters are showing enthusiasm amid the festive environment, many candidates complained about the lack of a level playing field in the election.
Aditi Islam, Assistant General Secretary candidate from the Oporajeyo 71–Oddommo 24 panel, said, “Male candidates can visit dormitories designated for male students at their convenience, but restrictions on female candidates visiting both male and female residential halls were imposed intentionally.”
“Voters are asking questions after reading the manifestos and joining discussions. This is a positive thing,” she added.
Chief Returning Officer of the election, Professor Mohammad Jasim Uddin, told TIMES, “All preparations for a peaceful election have been completed.”
“Although classes will continue, campaigning activities will not be allowed today. Voters will be allowed from 8.00 am till 4.00 pm to enter the centres on Tuesday,” he said.
