Bangladesh Ganotantrik Chhatra Sangsad (BAGCHAS) panel Vice President (VP) candidate Abdul Kader has alleged massive irregularities and vote rigging in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, accusing both the Election Commission (EC) and university authorities of playing the role of “silent spectators.”
Speaking to reporters at TSC on Tuesday afternoon, Kader claimed that the electoral process lacked transparency and fairness.
“Despite conspiracies, students came out spontaneously to vote. But their will is being mocked. The Election Commission has clearly worked in favor of one group,” he said.
Kader alleged that rival candidates tried to influence voters inside polling centers and specifically named BNP-backed candidate Abid for entering a center and seeking votes. “I submitted a complaint to the EC, but no action was taken,” he added.
“We saw candidates laughing and campaigning inside the centers. What kind of election is this? I even called Rabbani Sir and informed him, and though he said, ‘I’m here, I’m coming,’ no steps were taken,” Kader claimed.
He also pointed to alleged manipulation through the MPhil admission process. “Now it’s clear why there was so much interest in MPhil admissions — it’s being used to rig the election,” he said.
Kader accused the EC of coordinating with vested groups. “We now understand why JCD pressured to remove the age limit. The people included in the extended list are the ones influencing the vote today,” he alleged.
Despite repeated complaints, Kader said, the EC failed to enforce the code of conduct. “They kept giving us assurances but took no real action. It’s now obvious whose agenda they are serving,” he said.
He warned that such actions could lead to renewed student unrest. “We don’t want another uprising in DUCSU, but we will soon discuss and announce our next steps,” he said.
BAGCHAS General Secretary (GS) candidate Abu Baker Majumder also raised concerns about alleged ballot tampering.
He claimed pre-marked ballots were discovered at Ekushey Hall. “When we questioned officials, they refused to say in whose favor they were marked. One polling officer was involved, and we received similar reports from the ULAB center,” he said.
“We wanted a fair election — and we still do. We hope students will choose competent leadership and reject those trying to cling to power through ballot manipulation,” Baker said.
He further alleged that vote rigging was widespread. “Three to four hundred votes are being manipulated at each center. Students will recognize those stealing power and take action. If necessary, there will be another uprising at DU — just as fascist Hasina once stole power,” Baker warned.
As of now, the DUCSU Election Commission and university authorities have not publicly responded to the allegations made by the BAGCHAS panel.
SR
