The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall council elections have concluded peacefully. Voting took place from 8am to 4pm on Tuesday, with an uninterrupted 8-hour voting period. No major clashes or unwanted incidents were reported throughout the day.
The vote counting process is currently underway, and the returning officers have confirmed that results will be announced before midnight.
However, during the voting, allegations were raised regarding pre-marked ballots for candidates supported by the Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), while there were also counterclaims about the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) attempting to seize polling centres.
In light of the irregularities, Tahmina Akhter, the candidate supported by the Bishwo Insaniyat Biplob Student Front, withdrew her candidacy before the voting was concluded.
Returning officers reported a voter turnout of approximately 80 per cent. The turnout at various halls was as follows: 82-83 per cent at Zahurul Huq Hall, 82.93 per cent at Salimullah Muslim Hall, 82.45 per cent at Jagannath Hall, and 69 per cent at Ruqayyah Hall.
University Vice Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan confirmed that more than 70% of voters had cast their ballots, though the final voter count had not yet been determined.
The returning officers also stated that CCTV footage would be reviewed if any complaints arise. Tightened security measures were in place throughout the campus, with police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and university security personnel stationed at entry points.
Only students with ID cards and authorised personnel were allowed entry.
A total of 471 candidates, including 62 women, are contesting for 28 DUCSU positions, with 217 candidates vying for membership. The election also saw 1,035 candidates competing for 13 hall council positions across 18 university halls.
The total number of voters was 39,775, consisting of 20,873 male voters and 18,902 female voters. Voters were not allowed to bring mobile phones, smartwatches, bags, liquids, or any electronic devices into the polling stations.
