Multiple panels have already begun unveiling their action plans and manifestos for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election. Even before starting formal campaigning as per the election manifesto, several panels have initiated informal interactions with students.
Their draft manifestos include promises such as resolving the accommodation crisis, improving hall and co-curricular activities, ensuring healthcare and food security, digitising administrative services, upgrading libraries and educational quality, enhancing safety for female students, and improving transport facilities.
Sadiq Kayem, VP candidate of the Chhatra Shibir-backed panel, stated, “Even after a century, Dhaka University has not ensured 100% accommodation. If elected, we will gradually secure seats for every student.” He also proposed solving the housing problem through partnerships with private organisations and alumni.
On the other hand, Abidur Rahman Khan, VP candidate of the Chhatra Dal-backed panel, highlighted the university’s infrastructural issues: “Problems like Curzon Hall, Motar Hossain Building, Mokarram Building, and canteens have remained unresolved for years. Students from the Science and Business Studies faculties also suffer from lab, classroom, and canteen shortages. We are committed to solving these.”
Abdul Kader, VP candidate of the Bagchas-backed panel, declared, “Our slogan will be ‘One Student, One Seat.’ We will ensure 100% accommodation and permanently abolish the common room-guest room system.”
He also alleged that polling stations have been set up far away to hinder female students’ voting rights. He demanded that the polling centres for Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall and Kuwait Maitree Hall be relocated to the nearby Social Welfare Institute instead of the University Club.
Umama Fatema, VP candidate of the Independent Student Unity Panel, echoed the same demand, stating, “To avoid traffic congestion on election day, the polling centers for Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall and Kuwait Maitree Hall should be moved to the Social Welfare Institute, and the polling centre for Shamshunnahar Hall should be shifted to the Atomic Energy Research Institute.”
She further suggested that to reduce the distance for male hall voters, a polling centre should be set up at the Business Faculty for voters from the hall area.
According to the preliminary list of DUCSU candidates published on Thursday, out of 462 valid candidates for 28 positions in the central parliament, only 60 are female students – less than 13% of the total.
It is noted that voting for the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections will be held on September 9 across 8 centres on the university campus.