Student organisations are keeping their cards close to their chests as Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) elections approach in mid-August. Despite Election Commission members confirming stakeholder discussions will conclude by next week, followed by official schedule announcements, no active group has formally revealed its candidate panel yet.
Election Commission, formed on June 16, has sparked an election fever across campus. From ordinary students to organisation activists, everyone is watching the proceedings closely.
However, intense scrutiny, bargaining, and considerable secrecy surround panel announcements, leaving general students curious about which faces will emerge on ballot papers.
Sources suggest this cat-and-mouse game reflects strategic positioning as organisations weigh their options. Since August 5, various student groups have maintained visible presence on campus through memoranda submissions to university administration and student-friendly hall programmes. Each organisation is signalling its presence whilst keeping potential candidates under wraps.
Several leaders who played pivotal roles in the student uprising have emerged as potential heavyweight candidates. These include both organisational figures and independents who gained recognition through their post-uprising activities and consistent student welfare work.
Key names in discussions include Abidul Islam Khan, Joint General Secretary of DU Chhatra Dal; Umama Fatema, former spokesperson of the Anti-discrimination Students Movement; and Abdul Quader, Convener of DU unit Bangladesh Democratic Student Council (BAGCHAS). Also mentioned are Abu Baker Mojumder, Central Convener of BAGCHAS; Bin Yamin Molla, President of Chhatra Odhikar Parishad; and Abu Sadiq Kayem, Central Literary Secretary of Islami Chhatra Shibir.
These leaders have earned recognition through various student welfare programmes, positioning themselves as credible candidates despite formal panel announcements remaining elusive.
Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) confronts considerable uncertainty regarding its panel composition. With no age restrictions in DUCSU constitution, current honours, master's, or MPhil students can contest elections, creating generational tensions within the organisation.
Rumours suggest Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahos (2010-11 session), DU Chhatra Dal President and Nahiduzzaman Shipon (2011-12 session), General Secretary may participate. However, conversations with activists reveal ongoing confusion over panel structure with senior leaders bringing experience whilst younger aspirants demand inclusion.
“As a democratic political organisation, our activities are election-oriented,” said JCD President Sahos. "However, we hope for free and fair DUCSU elections only after stakeholder consensus on reforms and procedures." General Secretary Shipon indicated their panel's nature would depend on overall election atmosphere, declining further comment.
Islami Chhatra Shibir appears most organised amongst groups discussing participation. Abu Sadiq Kayem, former DU Shibir President and current Central Literary Secretary, emerges as their likely Vice President candidate, with SM Farhad and Mohiuddin Khan positioned for General Secretary and Assistant General Secretary roles respectively.
"We are in initial panel formation stages," said Miftahul Hossain Al Maruf, DU Shibir's Literary and Sports Secretary. "Nothing is final yet, but we hope to present an inclusive panel for students. Our full panel will be announced right after the election schedule is published, Insha'Allah."
Chhatra Odhikar Parishad announced preparations for a 'DUCSU for Change' panel, aiming to ensure participation from students across all backgrounds, irrespective of religion, caste, or identity. President Bin Yamin Molla emphasised including those "attacked, sued, or tortured during the fascist regime whilst working for students' rights."
BAGCHAS remains undecided on its complete panel, though Abu Baker Mojumder and Abdul Kader have been preliminarily selected for VP and GS positions respectively. Democratic Student Alliance also considers fielding candidates with Socialist Student Front's Muzammel Haque indicating informal talks with like-minded groups.
Reports suggest several Islamist-oriented student groups may form a joint panel, whilst the overall election atmosphere remains charged with anticipation as formal announcements await official schedule publication.
NRE/NSA
