Election to the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) is likely to be held in September, the union’s Election Commission confirmed on Sunday, saying that schedule for the election will be announced on July 29.
Chief Election Commissioner Professor Jasim Uddin disclosed it during a final meeting with stakeholders at the university’s Senate Bhaban. He said the election is expected to take place in the second week of September.
Poll will take place at six ‘neutral’ locations across the university campus, marking a significant departure from traditional hall-based voting.
The six voting centers are:
Curzon Hall Center (Examination Hall): students of Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah Hall, Amar Ekushey Hall, and Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall will cast their votes in this center.
Physical Education Center: Students from Jagannath Hall, Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haq Hall, and Salimullah Muslim Hall.
Student-Teacher Center: Students from Ruqayyah Hall, Shamsun Nahar Hall, and Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall will cast their votes at this location.
Dhaka University Club Center: Students from Bangladesh-Kuwait Friendship Hall and Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall.
Senate Building Center (Alumni Floor, Seminar Room, Dining Room): Students of Sir A.F. Rahman Hall, Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, and Bijoy Ekattor Hall will vote here.
Udayan School & College Center: Students from Surya Sen Hall, Muktijuddha Ziaur Rahman Hall, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, and Kabi Jasim Uddin Hall will vote at this center.
On the issue of student eligibility, the commission stated that students from the 2018-2019 academic session, whose master’s results have already been published, will not be allowed to vote or run in the upcoming DUCSU or hall union elections.
However, the Dhaka University Syndicate, the highest policy making body of the university, holds the power to revise DUCSU’s constitutional rules, if necessary.
The suspended 126 and 385 accused BCL leaders and activists cannot participate DUCSU poll, according to syndicate.
DU Proctor Professor Md. Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed this to Times of Bangladesh.
He said the university syndicate is scrutinizing the role of 300 more BCL activists who were engaged in violence against the agitating students during July uprising. “Decision on their fate will be taken soon,” he said.
Several cases have been filed against them with the Shahbagh Police Station.