Since DUCSU elections haven't been held for a long time, many current students do not even know what a student union is or what it does. Currently, student organizations are unofficially using the DUCSU room and wasting electricity without concern of university authority.
The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Dhaka University (DU) urged students to propose their ideal candidate for the crucial post of Election Commissioner to oversee the DUCSU election. He made it clear that any decision regarding the DUCSU election will require the university's highest policy maker Senate's approval.
It is known that election will only take place once the entire process, including the formation of the Election Commission and the appointment of its Commissioner, is properly completed. The election timeline heavily depends on how quickly the Commission is formed.
Analysts think banning campus politics is unrealistic. In fact, the VC believes that the DUCSU president should no longer be the Vice-Chancellor himself but rather a democratically elected student. Students leaders observed, students protest in the rain to demand proper housing and justice for incidents of sexual harassment. There is also strong concern that those associated with the genocides of 1971 and 2024 should not be allowed.
Pro-vice chancellor (administration) Professor Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha explained that preparations for the DUCSU election are underway, with the initial phase already complete. “Students came forward and shared their concerns,” she said, adding that the administration has been addressing them step by step. She acknowledged the scale of the election and noted, “We’ve reached a more organized stage after completing administrative groundwork.”
Addressing concerns about political influence, she remarked, “There are differences among student groups, but they are responding positively to university development.” On the possibility of delays, Professor Bidisha clarified, “The election will take place once the full process is complete.” A timeline depends on forming the election commission and appointing a commissioner, who will “proceed according to the VC’s outlined steps.”
Responding to concerns about transparency, she affirmed, “The administration will make the utmost effort to keep the election above controversy.” She also acknowledged past criticisms and said, “We are open to suggestions from both students and teachers,” while emphasizing the importance of following due process through Syndicate discussions and stakeholder feedback.
Poltical analyst Associate Professor Kazi Mohammad Mahbobor Rahman sees the possible DUCSU election as a positive step, allowing meritorious students to elect capable representatives and hold institutions accountable. “If the elections are free and fair,” he said, “student bodies will genuinely work for students.” He noted a radical change in student politics, with current leaders focusing more on academic discourse and policy debates.
He stressed that while banning campus politics is unrealistic, the administration must ensure elections are non-partisan and professional. A credible election, he added, would improve student-administration relations. “If students’ groups uphold promises,” he said, “democracy will progress.” However, if election is not held, the impact could be severe. “Students are more aware than ever. Ignoring them would harm us all.”
When asked about the DUCSU election, the active student organizations on campus, despite their differences,express a common demand for holding the election without further delay.
Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahos, President of the DU unit of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, said his organization is prepared for the DUCSU election, having already proposed reforms and held opinion-sharing meetings across hall and university levels. He noted that "most have expressed concerns about insecurity" and supported "major reforms to the DUCSU and hall union constitutions." Emphasizing the need to revive democratic culture, he said, "It is extremely important to organize regular, fair DUCSU elections every year."
He expressed concern over the administration’s inaction against political violence, stating, “We haven’t seen significant administrative action against the terrorist activities of Chhatra League.” To ensure fairness, he advocated for polling centers in academic buildings and a shift in leadership, arguing that a democratically elected student should replace the Vice-Chancellor as DUCSU President. On student interest, he observed that "more peaceful, tolerant, constructive politics will re-engage students" and warned that rushed elections like in 2019 would "go against the students’ democratic aspirations."
Salman Siddiqui, President of the Socialist Students' Front (BASAD-Marxist), said, “Student unions are essential to ensure a democratic environment in educational institutions. We’ve held press conferences, presented our constitution, and engaged with both the university administration and students. DUCSU’s elected representatives will have a voice in the Senate and can speak for the students.”
He said, “In the past, Chhatra League committed many injustices against general students, but there was no one to speak up. Even now, the authoritarian university administration imposes decisions on students. Holding DUCSU elections is crucial to address these issues.”
Abdul Kader, Convener of the DU unit of Ganotantrik Chhatra Sangsad, said, “We see preparation differently; students trust those who stood by them.”
He emphasized their fight for student rights even under repression and said his organization is building hall- and cell-based structures. Calling DUCSU "a lifeline for students," Kader pointed to ongoing protests for housing and justice. He added, “Participation depends on the administration,” vowing to resist manipulation, and blamed “tail-end politics” for students’ disillusionment.
Mohiuddin Khan, Islami Chhatra Shibir DU Unit Secretary said that they are preparing for the DUCSU election and aim to be ready before the schedule is announced.
He stressed the importance of a fair, inclusive election to restore student rights, saying, “DUCSU is a platform for constructive change.” He believes the post-July atmosphere is free from fear, encouraging participation. Citing past flaws in student politics, he remains hopeful. On the 96% student support survey, he remarked, “We see it as very positive.”
Saiedul Hoq Nissan, President of the Democratic Students' Council, said, “We have participated in all the meetings the university administration has held with student organizations. We practice coalition politics. There is a prevailing effort to depoliticize the campus, which is gradually silencing students' voices in demanding their rights. To overcome this, the DUCSU election is necessary. We will follow the decision taken by our coalition regarding participation.”
He said, “It is the university administration’s responsibility to ensure that all students can participate fairly in the election. The also need to ensure that those involved in the July massacre and the 1971 genocide are not allowed to participate in the student union election, either directly or under false identities.”
Ruponty Dipa Mallick, Vice-President of the Student Federation of Bangladesh, said, “While we student organizations are preparing, the university administration is not progressing at the same pace. The fight for students' rights must be led by the students themselves. I don’t think anyone will stand in the way of that.”
Dilip Roy, President of Revolutionary Student Unity, said, “The process of democratizing Bangladesh cannot be done without the participation of students. To rebuild the country, active student unions are essential. Many university students today don’t even know what a student union does, simply because elections haven’t been held for so long. The student wing of the ruling party, Chhatra League, as an ally of fascism, is responsible for the growing apathy toward politics among some students on campus.”
Mukta Barai, President of the Socialist Students’ Front, emphasized the need for a democratic environment before holding DUCSU elections. “Without co-existence in halls and democratic conditions, elections won’t represent students—it’ll be a tool of repression,” she said, recalling the 2019 vote-rigging allegations.
