Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan has stated that if the 6th and 7th phases of DUCSU election timeline are completed, the Election Commission (EC) will be formed before Eid-ul-Azha; otherwise, it will take place afterward.
He made the statement on Saturday afternoon in front of his residence while addressing students who were on a hunger strike demanding three specific reforms.
He explained, “Initially, six faculty members were under consideration for the position of Election Commissioner. Now, three remain in consideration. However, I will not reveal their names until I receive official endorsements from them. Once they provide endorsements, the names will be placed before the Syndicate. If the Syndicate approves, the Election Commission will be formed. The Commissioner will then announce the election schedule.”
At that moment, agitated students exclaimed, “You manage to conduct elections for university staff. Even during national crises, elections are held. Why can't DUCSU elections happen? If you can’t hold the elections, you should resign. We don’t need an administration like yours.”
Professor Niaz responded by assuring them, “The administration has already completed most steps of the timeline. Only phases six and seven remain, and I am working tirelessly to finalise them.”
Students alleged that the delay in DUCSU election is due to disagreements between Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed and Treasurer Professor M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.
Responding to this, Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, who was present at the scene, said, “The five of us (VC, two Pro-VCs, Treasurer, and Proctor) have collectively handled every aspect of DUCSU from A to Z. So how can you make such claims?”
Regarding justice for the murdered student Shammo, VC Niaz Ahmed Khan added, “The university has stood beside the family by filing the case. The case is now being handled by the Detective Branch (DB).”
He added, “After Sammo’s murder, the situation has become so dire that no one is willing to take on responsibilities like Election Commissioner or Returning Officer.”
Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed and Registrar Munshi Shams Uddin Ahmed were also present there.
According to the official timeline, Phase 6—“Sharing of the outcome (documents) with the Provosts, Deans, Department Chairs, and Institute Directors”—was scheduled for completion by mid-April. Phase 7—“Formation of the Election Commission (including appointment of Chief Returning Officer and other officers)”—was supposed to be finalised by the first half of May.
As of May 24, Phase 6 is 39 days overdue and Phase 7 is 9 days overdue, fueling student frustration.
Students directly accused the administration of “dangling a radish” in front of them, using the delay as an excuse to avoid holding the DUCSU election.
NRE/NSA
