Dhaka University (DU) campus remained abuzz with tension late Tuesday night as students, candidates, and supporters anxiously awaited the announcement of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election results.
Hundreds of people packed the university’s Senate Hall, where results were expected to be declared.
Journalists covering the polls were called inside around 11:15 PM, but many general students also forced their way in, leaving the hall crammed with no space even to stand.
As of 12:40 am on Wednesday (10 September), no results had been announced.
Excitement and anxiety grew both inside and outside the hall as the anticipated declaration was delayed.
Dhaka University campus erupted in slogans around 12:15 AM following conclusion of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections, as vote counting approached final stages.
Two main student groups, Chhatra Shibir and Chhatra Dal, dominated streets leading to Shahbagh. Chhatra Shibir activists rallied with “Naray-e Takbeer” and “Jalo re Jalo”, chanting for five to six minutes after New York-based journalist Ilyas Hossain posted on Facebook: “Alhamdulillah, supported candidates have won VP and GS; going live in a few moments.” The post reportedly energised supporters, creating a vibrant, noisy atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Chhatra Dal supporters near Shahbagh Museum chanted in favour of their panel, shouting slogans such as “Abid-Hamim, best council” alongside references to “Zia-Khaleda”. Observers noted the intensity of the mobilisation reflected both competitive stakes and heightened political engagement among students.
The long-awaited DUCSU and hall union elections, often dubbed the “mini-parliament” of Dhaka University, were held earlier on Tuesday (9 September) after a gap of six years. Voting took place across eight centers with 810 booths on campus.
This year, 471 candidates contested 28 posts, including 62 women contenders. For the vice-president (VP) position, 45 candidates ran, while 19 vied for general secretary (GS) and 25 for assistant general secretary (AGS). Among the female candidates, five contested for VP, one for GS, and four for AGS.
A total of 39,775 students were eligible to vote, comprising 20,873 male and 18,902 female students. More than 80 percent of them reportedly cast their ballots.
Election observers and university authorities noted that, despite minor irregularities, the overall process remained participatory, reflecting record student engagement with over three-quarters of students casting votes.
