The Bangladesh Chhatra Union, Dhaka University (DU) unit, has raised 12 specific allegations of irregularities and inconsistencies in recently held Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) and hall union elections.
In a press conference held at the university’s Madhur Canteen on Thursday, the student group outlined the allegations that they claim undermined the electoral process.
Speaking at the event, Meghmallar Basu, general secretary candidate from the “Protirodh Parshad” panel, emphasised that regardless of victory or defeat, their struggle to protect students’ rights would continue.
“Widespread irregularities during the election have seriously compromised the students’ right to vote,” he said.
Meghmallar Basu alleged that a particular group had been spreading negative propaganda against their panel since the mass protests in July and August last year.
He further claimed that on election day, fake press-passes were used and various other tactics were employed to manipulate the results.
“Biased behavior from the administration and failures by the supervising teachers contributed to unresolved irregularities, calling the integrity of the entire process into question,” he added.
The Chhatra Union highlighted 12 irregularities which include ballots were distributed in favor of specific panels without voter presence, yet signatures were found on voter lists and requests for the publication of voter lists and CCTV footage were ignored by the administration.
The ballots used in the election had not serial numbers, the ballot count has not been released, and tit has not been reported where the ballots were printed.
Reports emerged of fake ballots being leaked, and a large number of unsecured ballots were discovered at a printing press, without proper oversight.
Additionally, allegations of tampering with the OMR machines have surfaced, and candidates and voters were not allowed to be present during the post-vote software verification.”
Agent lists were released before the vote, leading to the exclusion of many proposed agents from various panels. Besides, indelible ink was not used, raising suspicions that some individuals voted multiple times.
They also raised the allegations of delays and irregularities occurred during vote counting and unauthorised individuals were present during counting, while polling agents were kept at a distance.
The appointment of polling officers lacked transparency, with some allegedly raising false complaints to influence the process.
In addition, opaque ballot boxes were used, and there were shortages of markers, leading to some votes being disqualified due to use of ballpoint pens.
Repeated complaints to the authorities went unanswered, indicating intentional inaction by the administration.
Meghmallar Basu concluded by stating, “Despite numerous complaints, the administration has deliberately delayed addressing these issues. As a result, the Ducsu election is now being marked as undemocratic, irregular, and deeply questionable.
