Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) vice-president (VP) candidate Abidul Islam Khan, backed by the Chhatra Dal panel, has been accused of breaching the election code of conduct by entering the restricted voting centre at the Physical Education Center.
Defending his actions, Abidul said, “The university administration did not issue any special cards for candidates. That is why I was not allowed to enter the female halls’ polling centre.”
Returning Officer Kazi Mostak Gausul Haque, however, stressed that candidates are not allowed inside polling centres. “I was at the Zahurul Haque centre and was unaware of this. I am investigating the matter,” he said. During a later visit to the Jagannath Hall polling centre, Haque confirmed that no candidates were inside and added that no one else would be allowed entry.
Meanwhile, Abidul was seen outside the Shamsun Nahar Hall voting centre near the Institute of Education and Research, interacting with voters. Several Chhatra Dal workers accompanied him, distributing leaflets. When questioned, the workers said the leaflets were intended to help voters remember ballot numbers.
Since morning, a large number of students have been arriving at the polling centres, with long lines visible at several locations. Many students have shown enthusiasm to vote voluntarily.
Security has been tightened across the Dhaka University campus for the polls. Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and university security personnel are stationed at entry points. Only students with ID cards and authorised personnel are allowed to enter the campus.
A total of 471 candidates are contesting 28 posts in the DUCSU election, including 62 female candidates. The membership posts have the highest competition, with 217 candidates vying for them.
Additionally, 1,035 candidates are contesting 13 hall-level positions across 18 university halls.
This year, 39,775 students are eligible to vote, including 20,873 male and 18,902 female voters.
Voters are prohibited from carrying bags, mobile phones, smartwatches, any kind of electronic device, water bottles, or any liquid into the polling centres.
