Voting for the long-awaited Dhaka University Central Students` Union (DUCSU) and hall unions elections is currently underway in a festive and peaceful atmosphere across eight polling centers on campus.
Students began casting their votes from 8am, marking a significant day in campus politics after vibrant campaigns led by various student organisations, reports UNB.
After casting his vote, one student expressed his excitement, saying, “This is the first time I’ve voted, and I’m very happy to have the chance to choose a leader who will represent my voice.”
He also urged fellow students to come to the polling station and cast their votes.
Another student also shared his satisfaction with the process, “I was able to vote freely, according to my own choice. In the past, we heard that certain groups would pressure students to vote for specific candidates, or even mark the ballots on their behalf. But this time, no such incidents occurred,” he added.
Meanwhile, Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Vice President candidate urged students to back their chosen candidates, saying, “Through this DUCSU election, we want to establish a positive democratic transition.”
Chhatra Dal-backed General Secretary candidate Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim expressed satisfaction with the overall election process.
He predicted a voter turnout of 80–85 percent and voiced optimism about his prospects.
The entire nation has its eyes on the DUCSU election as it is witnessing an election after a gap of six years which is the continuation of a legacy deeply embedded in the nation’s political and social evolution.
The voting will continue till 4pm at eight polling stations.
A total of 471 candidates are contesting for 28 positions in this year’s Ducsu election.
Among the candidates 48 are vying for the post of Vice President (VP), 19 for General Secretary (GS), and 25 for Assistant General Secretary (AGS). For the post of Liberation War and Democratic Movement Secretary, there are 17 candidates. For Common Room, Reading Room, and Cafeteria Secretary, 11 candidates are contesting, while 14 are running for International Affairs Secretary.
Besides, 19 candidates are contesting for Literature and Cultural Secretary, 12 for Science and Technology Secretary, 9 for Research and Publication Secretary, 13 for Sports Secretary and 12 for Student Transport Secretary.
A total of 39,775 students are set to cast their votes in the elections.
Among the registered voters, 20,873 are male students while 18,902 are female students.
