Dhaka University (DU) has decided not to disclose the signed voter list or CCTV footage from the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) election.
According to the administration, the voter list is “highly sensitive and confidential,” while the CCTV recordings are considered “private documents,” and are used only as official records related to the election.
The university also dismissed recent complaints regarding ballot paper printing as “baseless,” emphasising that the entire process was conducted transparently and confidentially.
The position was outlined in a statement from Deputy Director Forrukh Mahmud of the DU Public Relations Office, regarding applications and complaints submitted after the election.
The statement noted, “It is not appropriate to respond immediately to allegations raised at a press conference organised by a student organisation last Monday.”
Earlier, the Chhatra Dal-backed Abid-Hamim-Mayed Parishad had held a press conference alleging 11 irregularities, including claims of administrative bias, pre-signing of voter lists, printing and supplying ballots in favour of specific panels, non-disclosure of used and returned ballots, delayed issuance of IDs preventing polling agents from entering centres, opaque ballot boxes, and the absence of markers for ballot pens.
Regarding CCTV footage, the administration said, “CCTV recordings are not public documents. They are preserved as official records or evidence related to important election matters. Candidates may observe specific footage at a designated location in the presence of authorised officials, upon formal request.”
On providing signed voter lists, the statement added, “This is a highly sensitive and confidential list. DUCSU election rules do not allow copies to be provided.
“For the safety and confidentiality of students, it is inappropriate to disclose this information. Given the large number of vague and incomplete applications, the administration respectfully declines to provide copies of this important list.”
It also noted that the identities of the ballot paper printing vendors have been deliberately kept confidential, which is a recognised practice to ensure security.
The Election Commission claimed that the printing process was carried out entirely in secrecy, leaving no opportunity for compromise.
The administration also pointed out, “Before, during, and after the election, including during counting, no complaints were raised by polling agents, observers, or journalists regarding this process.”
On the recent ballot printing allegations, the statement said, “We find no basis for such claims two weeks after the election. All applications and complaints have been examined, and timely responses will be provided.”
