A writ petition has been filed with the High Court challenging the candidacy of SM Farhad, who is running for general secretary (GS) under the Islami Chhatra Shibir panel in the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections.
The petition was accepted for hearing on Sunday morning by a High Court bench comprising Justice SK Tahsin Ali and Justice Habibul Gani. Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua is representing the petitioner.
The writ was filed by BM Fahmida Alam, a candidate from the Left Alliance-backed panel “Aparajeyo 71, Adommo 24,” contesting for the post of secretary for Liberation War and Democratic Movements.
According to the writ, SM Farhad was a member of the Chhatra League committee before August 5 last year. Questions have been raised as to how he is now contesting under the Islami Chhatra Shibir panel, and his candidacy has been formally challenged on these grounds.
Advocate Shishir Monir, a lawyer at the High Court, confirmed the development.
Meanwhile, the DUCSU Election Commission has announced that voting will take place at eight polling centres across the university. Polls will be open on September 9 from 8am to 4pm, during which students will cast their votes by standing in queues at designated centres.
According to returning officers citing Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) sources, law enforcement agencies will be deployed to ensure security during the election. Patrol teams and relevant branches are already active in preparation.
To maintain security, all residential halls will be off-limits to outsiders starting seven days prior to the election. Routine patrols will be conducted to enforce the restriction.
Additionally, the Dhaka University metro station will remain closed on September 8 and 9. The university campus will be sealed off completely during this period. Only valid students, accredited journalists, and election officials will be allowed entry.
Campaigning by individuals or organisations will be permitted until 11pm on September 7 within the halls and on campus.
