Campus politics heats up as DUCSU polls near

Dhaka University's campus buzzed with political energy on Friday as Vice President candidates of the DUCSU election laid out visions promising a revolution in student governance. Campaigning highlighted the clash of ideologies, historical perspectives, and practical promises, setting the stage for a decisive vote.

Umama Fatema from the "Swatantra Shikkharthi Oikko" panel delivered stark warnings against major party dominance, declaring: "Elected major parties will cement hegemony through welfare politics." Speaking during campus outreach, she criticised superficial development approaches reminiscent of past 17-year governance patterns. 

"Installing filters, vending machines, and payphones will be considered their work done, but this doesn't allow any system to develop," Umama told journalists. 

The former Anti-discrimination Students Movement spokesperson also exposed covert Chhatra Dal campaigning in halls while independent candidates face administrative restrictions.

Abdul Qader from "Boissommo Birodhi Sikkharthi Sangsad" revealed escalating online harassment targeting families since the August 5 political transformation. "Cyberattacks have left me mentally devastated. 

Before August 5, dissenters faced physical assault, but afterward it transformed into online attacks," he disclosed at Masterda Surjo Sen Hall. Qader criticised the university administration's one-year delay in forming election commissions, demanding calendar-based institutionalised processes. Nayem Hasan Hridoy from the "Oporajeyo 71, Odommo 24" panel positioned elections within historical context, warning: "Any candidate opposing '71 independence would disgrace the university." 

The JASAD Chattra League (BCL) leader emphasised Dhaka University's protest legacy from 1952 to 2024, connecting Liberation War principles with recent July movement lessons. He questioned opportunistic candidates who "endured pre-August 5 hardship yet suddenly became iPhone and motorcycle owners afterward."