Nearly three weeks after the elections to the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) and hall unions, controversies surrounding the polls are still alive and kicking.
This can mainly be attributed to inconsistent remarks, sometimes untrue, and actions by individuals belonging to the DU administration who were involved with the conducting of the elections that took place on September 9. Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir-backed panels registered landslide victory in the centre and halls.
But the dust surrounding the elections could not settle as students of different political and independent groups brought allegations of irregularities and manipulation. Additionally, candidates have expressed dissatisfaction over the university administration’s unclear stance on the release of voter lists and CCTV footage from polling centres.
The latest episode of the ongoing saga appeared after the issue of printing ballots in an unsecured manner at the Gausul Azam Market in Nilkhet came to light and subsequent fumbling by the DU administration.
This began when independent Ducsu general secretary candidate Arafat Chowdhury posted a picture on social media on September 17, showing ballot papers being printed in a Nilkhet press without ensuring security.
The photo, claimed to have been taken at 12:57am on September 7, showed that the ballots lacked serial numbers or QR codes, making it possible for extra ballots to be created at will.
To ensure transparency in the election, Arafat requested the release of voter attendance records and CCTV footage from the polling centres. However, the university administration rejected his request.
Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) raised multiple accusations against the administration, including bias, pre-signed voter attendance lists, provision of ballots for specific panels, failure to publish the number of used and returned ballots, and irregularities like missing ID cards that prevented polling agents from entering centres.
The allegations included serious accusations such as printing ballots in unsecured presses and supplying ballots for a specific panel.
Furthermore, they declared that the election would not be deemed valid until clear explanations regarding the irregularities were provided.
Initially, the university authorities claimed that the Ducsu ballots were printed securely and confidentially, not in Nilkhet.
However, after a private television investigation revealed that the printing of ballots took place in Nilkhet, Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan, also the Ducsu president, admitted that a portion of the ballots was initially printed in Nilkhet.
In response to the claim about the lack of security codes on the ballots, the administration did not provide specific clarification but later claimed that security codes had been included as part of the security process.
After the exposure of unsecured ballot printing, the university authorities stated that the main vendor had been issued a show-cause notice for beginning work at an unauthorized press in Nilkhet without informing the administration.
But the controversy has raised questions about why the authorities did not exercise tighter oversight over such an important aspect of elections.
BNP-leaning white panel of Dhaka University teachers issued a statement, claiming that the investigative report severely tarnished the university’s traditional democratic values and reputation.
They also called for a clear and accountable explanation from the university administration.
Another organization of teachers, University Teachers Link (UTL), condemned what it called unfounded claims two weeks after the elections, saying that it is nothing but an attempt to deny students’ independent judgment. UTL described it as a direct attack on students’ free thought, leadership potential, and democratic achievements.
Furthermore, the Bangladesh Chhatra Union, last Thursday, raised 12 new complaints, including issues like the absence of serial numbers on ballots, the failure to account for printed and returned ballots, showing one candidate’s vote to another, and a lack of software testing for voter and candidate presence.
Additionally, some candidates were excluded from the polling agent list, and indelible ink was not used.
TIMES of Bangladesh made several attempts to reach out to the DU Vice-Chancellor Niaz on Monday.
However, at a press conference on Sunday, he asserted that neither the location nor the number of ballots printed for Ducsu and hall union elections can influence the outcome of the vote.
Rejecting allegations of irregularities, he emphasized that the integrity of ballots depends on strict procedural checks rather than where or how many are printed.
Regarding election complaints, Niaz confirmed that all 48 lodged complaints have been resolved, with 16 settled through personal correspondence under Section 69 of the University Act.
Responding to demands for the release of CCTV footage and voter lists, he said, “If a candidate wishes to review footage from a specific time or verify a voter’s signature, they must submit a formal request. Such reviews will be conducted in the presence of experts or designated officials.”
He alleged that certain parties are attempting to undermine the election’s legitimacy long after its conclusion.
Reaffirming the integrity of the process, Niaz stressed, “The election was conducted with the utmost care, fully adhering to all rules and security protocols.”
As contacted, the chief returning officer of Ducsu elections, Professor Mohammad Zashim Uddin told TIMES that according to the Ducsu constitution it is the responsibility of the vice-chancellor to dispose of issues that will arise three days after the completion of the elections.
When his attention was drawn to actions he took three days after the elections, he admitted that he took some decisions going beyond rules.
Elected Ducsu Vice-President Shadik Kayem, when contacted, told TIMES, “From the beginning of the elections, journalists, poling agents and observers were always present. They observed every step of vote counting. The matter is very clear to us and the administration has the CCTV footages.”
“However, we welcome the complaints on the elections. It is the responsibility of the administration to extend cooperation to all and respond to every complaint. We want the democratic atmosphere to prevail,” he added.
Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed, assistant general secretary candidate of JCD, told the correspondent that they will present their position in a press conference soon after discussing it internally.
