In a fresh twist to student politics at Dhaka University, independent General Secretary candidate Ashikur Rahman has turned heads with a manifesto that ditches traditional rhetoric for memes, anime references, and social media trends.
His campaign for the 2025 Dhaka University Central Students` Union (DUCSU) election has gone viral, signaling a generational shift in how young leaders engage with voters.
Rahman`s manifesto, posted on Facebook on August 20, opens with a dramatic flair: "I`m coming to surround DUCSU with fire, friends."
What follows is a mix of practical promises and innovative ideas tailored to Gen-Z sensibilities. Key commitments include easing attendance requirements, ensuring women`s housing and safety on campus, preventing open spaces from turning into "parking lots and public toilets," and reducing noise from political rallies in academic areas.
Drawing from pop culture, Rahman pledges to organize anime cosplay festivals, regular programming competitions, and drone-building workshops focused on combat and surveillance applications.
"This is about making campus life exciting while addressing real problems," Ashikur Rahman, a student from the 2022-23 session in the English Department, said.
Emphasizing transparency, Ashikur highlights his "financial integrity," stating, "Those who invest expect returns. I haven`t invested anything, so there are no expectations."
He also assures voters of his clean record, noting he`s uninvolved in any scandals related to ragging or women`s issues. However, he candidly lists his limitations: unavailable for late-night calls and lacking a bike for immediate on-campus responses. Rahman warns that he will publicly expose any injustices or irregularities if elected.
Ashikur’s decision to run stems from disillusionment with established student leaders following the events of August 5 last year. "After August 5, trust in conventional student politicians has eroded. That`s why I`ve taken this initiative independently," he explained.
While it`s unclear how much this unconventional approach will influence administrative outcomes, the fusion of serious issues with anime festivals and drone events has undeniably amplified Rahman`s visibility.
As one observer noted, "In the 2025 DUCSU polls, memes and manifestos are sharing the same stage." With the election approaching, Ashiqur’s campaign could redefine student politics in Bangladesh.
