DUCSU and Hall Sangsad Elections: A look into the contenders and campaigns
The nomination collection for the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) and Hall Sangsad elections officially closed on Monday, wrapping up a busy week of intense activities on the campus.
Intending contestants collected nomination papers during August 12-18 with the last date for submission set for 3pm on August 19.
Nomination papers were available at the office of DUCSU Chief Returning Officer Professor Mohammad Jasim Uddin, located on the third floor of the Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building, between 10am and 4pm daily.
The final list of candidates will be published at 1pm on August 21 after scrutiny.
565 DUCSU Nomination Papers Collected; 1,226 for Hall Sangsads
A total of 565 nomination papers have been collected for the upcoming DUCSU elections. On the final day alone, 442 candidates collected their papers, according to the Chief Returning Officer.
Besides, 1,226 nominations were collected for the Hall Sangsad elections across 18 residential halls. This surge reflects the high level of student engagement ahead of the much-anticipated polls.
Alliances and Panels: Who’s Contesting for What
Chhatra Dal Yet to Announce Full Panel:
Although Chhatra Dal leaders collected nomination papers individually, the organisation is yet to finalise or announce its full panel by the end of the nomination period.
According to sources, the final panel may be revealed later.
Among those who collected nomination forms are Mominul Islam Jisan, Joint General Secretary (Central) of Chhatra Dal, who is contesting for Vice President (VP). Other candidates include Abidul Islam Khan (DU Branch), Tanvir Bari Hamim (Kabi Jasimuddin Hall), Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed (Bijoy Ekattor Hall), and central leaders such as Zarif Rahman, Imam Hasen Anik, and others.
Islami Chhatra Shibir Announces Full Panel:
Islami Chhatra Shibir was among the first to announce a complete 28-member panel.
Their nominations include representation from ethnic minorities, injured participants in the July mass uprising, and members from AAP Bangladesh and Inqilab Mancha.
Key candidates are Abu Sadiq Kayem (VP), SM Farhad and Mohiuddin Khan (GS) and (AGS) respectively.
Portfolio candidates include Iqbal Haider (Science & Technology), Fatima Tasnim Juma (Liberation War & Democratic Movement), Umme Salma (Common Room, Reading Room & Cafeteria), and others across health, law, research, sports, and culture.
Left Alliance Fielding Imi and Basu:
The Left Alliance has also declared a panel, with Sheikh Iti Afroz Imi standing for Vice President, and Meghmallar Basu, president of the Dhaka University unit of Bangladesh Students’ Union, contesting for General Secretary. Jabir Ahmed Jubel has been nominated for AGS.
Their alliance includes candidates from the Students' Union, Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, Biplobi Chhatra Maitree, Pahari Chhatra Parishad, Student Council, and Ganotantrik Chhatra Mancha.
More names are expected to be released on Tuesday (19 August), including candidates for portfolio-based secretarial positions.
Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad Holds Off Panel Declaration
BAGCHAS, contesting under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Sangsad, has confirmed participation but withheld the final panel announcement.
According to Zahid Ahsan, central member secretary, the panel line-up is still under discussion.
However, sources indicate Abdul Quader may run for VP, Abu Baker Majumder for GS, and Ashrefah Khatun for AGS.
Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad Enters the Race:
Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad announced its panel on Monday afternoon. Key candidates are Bin Yamin Molla (VP), Sabina Yasmin (GS) and Rakibul Islam (AGS).
The panel also includes candidates for Science & Technology, Social Services, Sports, Law, Health, and Publications secretaries.
Umama Fatima Leads Independent Panel
Prominent anti-discrimination activist Umama Fatima has launched an independent panel, collecting nomination papers on Monday.
Her likely candidacy for VP may be joined by Al Sadi Bhuiyan for GS and Mohiuddin Mujahid Mahi (President of the DU Journalists’ Association) for AGS.
The complete panel is expected to be announced on Tuesday.
NCP and Jamaluddin Form Joint Panel:
A joint panel led by Jamaluddin Muhammad Khalid, Convener of the Independent Bangladesh Students’ Union, and Mahin Sarkar of the National Chitizen Party (NCP), has been formed. Fateha Sharmin Annie is expected to run for AGS.
Election Process and Timeline:
Following the submission deadline on 19 August, nomination scrutiny will take place, and the final list of candidates will be published on 21 August at 1pm.
Voting Day is scheduled for 9 September, from 8am to 3pm. Results will be announced later that same day.
There are a total of 39,775 voters, including 20,871 male and 18,902 female students.
More Posts in 2025 DUCSU Polls:
This year’s DUCSU election will feature 28 positions, up from 25 in the 2019 polls, in response to growing demands from student organisations.
The newly added posts include Research and Publications Secretary, Career Development Secretary, Health and Environment Secretary, Human Rights and Legal Affairs Secretary
The last DUCSU election was held on 11 March 2019, after a 28-year gap. In that election, Nurul Haque Nur was elected Vice President, Golam Rabbani as General Secretary, and Saddam Hossain as Assistant General Secretary.