Voting for the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall elections concluded on Tuesday, with polling conducted from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm across eight centers on campus. Students who were already in line by 4:00 pm were still allowed to cast their votes.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan said a large number of students exercised their voting rights and asserted that the election was being conducted without any lack of transparency.
Speaking to reporters around 3:00 pm after visiting three centers at the Senate Building, he said voter turnout had exceeded 70 percent in several locations.
Addressing a minor issue at Curzon Hall—where a voter was mistakenly given two ballots—the VC said, “We took immediate action, but the incident will be further investigated, and anyone found responsible will face consequences.”
Polling was carried out peacefully under tight security, though some candidates raised complaints.
Abidul Islam, vice-presidential candidate from the Chhatra Dal panel, alleged that attempts were made to hinder students’ participation.
Speaking to reporters around 2:00 pm after voting, he said, “I exercised my right to vote, but the situation did not seem fully conducive. There is a growing attempt to undermine democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression.”
SM Forhad, general secretary candidate of the Shibir-backed United Student Alliance, said several irregularities occurred, and although the election commission was informed, no action was taken.
Khairul Hasan, general secretary candidate from the Islami Chhatra Shomaj panel, alleged that polling agents were removed from a voting center, a claim he made around 10:30 am in front of Udayan High School center.
Independent candidates expressed optimism about fair outcomes. Umama Fatema, vice-presidential candidate from the Independent Unity panel, said she remained confident of victory and called for a “free and fair election.”
Abu Bakar Majumdar, general secretary candidate from the Anti-Discrimination Students’ Alliance, visiting the TSC polling center, noted a “joyful voting environment” and long queues at each center, expressing hope that students would choose capable leadership.
Meghmollar Basu, general secretary candidate from the Progresso panel, expressed confidence that the progressive forces in the election would emerge victorious. Speaking outside the Indoor Games Room of the Physical Education Center around 11:45 am, he said, “The voting process has been smooth and orderly.”
Independent vice-presidential candidate Shamim Hossain alleged attempts to suppress his votes through coordinated tagging and propaganda on social media platforms and certain media outlets.
After voting at the Senate Building center around 10:15 am, he told reporters that he had anticipated this campaign to reduce his votes.
With voting now complete, students and candidates alike await the official results, which are expected to be announced after the ballots are counted.
