In the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and Hall Union elections, the Teachers’ Network found only minor management issues or discrepancies, with no significant irregularities observed.
During a press conference on Tuesday evening in front of the Returning Officers’ office at Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building, Professor Gitiara Nasreen shared the network’s observations.
She stated, “Aside from some small discrepancies or management errors, we believe there were no major irregularities. We have not observed any significant disorder or mismanagement that would render this election unacceptable.”
According to Professor Nasreen, the election was a historic one, given the lack of participatory elections in recent years.
She expressed hope for next year’s elections, emphasising that the mistakes made in this election would be avoided in the future, with clearer guidelines on code of conduct and other issues.
Earlier, Professor Samina Lutfah raised concerns about management issues during the election.
She mentioned, “There were significant gaps in information, and a transparent decision-making process was lacking, leading to confusion. Not all panels and candidates had adequate polling agents, and those who passed were not informed on time.”
Professor Lutfah also noted discrepancies in the pass authorization for polling agents, stating, “The instructions on how to assist voters were not followed correctly in many cases, and there were instances where opposition was faced.”
She also reported that pre-marked ballots were found at two hall centers, and observed that the officials on duty were not equally diligent in fulfilling their responsibilities.
The appointment process for polling officers was also criticized for a lack of transparency.
The Teachers’ Network’s observations highlighted slow voting at Jagannath Hall and TSC centers, and discrepancies in the enforcement of election rules at eight centers.
It was noted that rules were interpreted differently at different centers, and the overall election process suffered from a shortage of personnel.
Professor Lutfah added, “Seventy-eight per cent of students turned out to vote, which may not have been anticipated. As a result, the pressure to manage the large crowds created additional challenges. The election officers did not receive sufficient training for the task.”
The Teachers’ Network believes that without these management issues, the election could have inspired more confidence.
The press conference was also attended by Associate Professor Tasneem Siraj Mahbub of the Department of English, Professor Asif Mohammad Shahin of the Department of Development Studies, Associate Professor Moshahida Sultana of the Department of Accounting, Associate Professor Tahmina Khanom of the Department of Management, and Assistant Professor Marzia Rahman of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism.
