DUCSU polls: Female candidates decry campaigning discrimination

TIMES Report
4 Min Read
DUCSU building abuzz with election fervour. Photo: Shamim-Us-Salehin/TIMES

Female candidates contesting in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) election have accused the administration of creating systemic discrimination through campaign regulations that restrict their access to students.

They alleged that while male candidates only require permission to campaign in female dormitories, female candidates must obtain prior approval even to campaign in both male and female halls.

Several contenders claimed that the university authorities did not consult students or candidates before setting such rules.

Umama Fatema, vice-president candidate from the Independent Student Unity panel, told TIMES of Bangladesh that male candidates enjoy more freedom than their female counterparts.

“While male candidates can visit male residential halls at their convenience and campaign freely, female candidates are not allowed the same access,” she said. “As a result, there is a significant disparity in opportunities between candidates running for the same post.”

She also criticised the limited campaign hours, which have been set from 10:00am to 10:00pm daily by the Ducsu election commission. “Most female students return to their dorms around that time, effectively blocking us from reaching them,” Umama said.

Israt Jahan Imu, executive member candidate from the left-leaning Protirodh Porshad panel, alleged that the administration even polices ordinary student activities after 10:00pm.

“The proctorial team often removes female students from campus if they are seen chatting or gathering after 10:00pm. While male candidates can access male dormitories at will, non-residential female candidates are denied the same rights in their own dorms,” she said. “This is systemic discrimination that prevents women candidates from engaging with voters properly.”

Shima Akhter, candidate for social service affairs secretary from the Unity to Rebuild panel of the Students’ Federation of Bangladesh, said the administration had failed to ensure a level playing field.

“Females have to go through lengthy bureaucratic processes to get access even to female dorms. How will they run smooth campaigns and engage all voters under these conditions?” she asked.

General students also expressed frustration over the gender-based restrictions.

Arpita Saha, a residential student of Rokeya Hall, said that female candidates are disproportionately disadvantaged.

“Numerous limitations have been imposed specifically on women candidates, while no such strict rules apply to men,” she said.

She suggested that instead of barring women, the university could strengthen security at hall gates to allow campaigning at night. “Most of us get free time only after 10:00pm, once classes and assignments are over,” she added.

In response, the university administration said the electoral code of conduct had been determined collectively by the election commission.

Asked about the allegations, returning officer Golam Rabbani said, “If the candidates submit a written application on this matter, the commission will discuss it with all parties concerned before making a decision.”

After a six-year hiatus, the Ducsu election is scheduled for 9 September, with 462 candidates contesting for 28 central posts. Among them, 60 are female candidates, making up around 13 percent of the total.

 

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