Ahead of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, the number of polling booths has been increased once again. Across the university’s eight polling centers, the total number of booths has been raised to 810 for the third time. Initially, there were 500 booths, which were later increased to 710.
The Election Commission said the move was aimed at ensuring that voting can be completed within the scheduled time. According to the commission, even if each voter takes an average of 10 minutes at the polling center, voting can still be completed by 4 pm.
A press release signed by DUCSU Chief Returning Officer Professor Dr. Mohammad Jasim Uddin on Saturday confirmed the update. The release also stated that additional bus services will be provided for students on election day.
Voter awareness meetings are scheduled at 12 pm on Sunday at the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Business Studies, and the Institute of Education and Research, the commission said.
The 34th DUCSU election is set to be held on Tuesday. Around 10 panels, both full and partial, are contesting this year’s election, including ‘Swatantra Shikkharthi Oikko’ led by Umama Fatema, the student league-backed ‘Abid-Hamim-Mayed Parishad,’ Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed ‘Oikko Bondho Shikkharthi Jote,’ Bangladesh Democratic Students’ Union-backed ‘Boishommo Birodhi Shikkharthi Songshod,’ and the left alliance-backed ‘Protibodh Porishod.’
A total of 471 candidates are contesting 28 posts, including 62 women candidates. The highest competition is for the general member positions, with 217 candidates vying for the seats. Additionally, across 18 university halls, 1,035 candidates are contesting 13 posts.
