Ducsu candidates allege DU ignoring complaints over ‘polls irregularities’

Candidates from different panels in the recently held Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) polls have alleged that the university administration is yet to respond to their complaints about irregularities, such as unsecured ballot papers found at Nilkhet's Gausul Azam Market.

Independent vice-president candidate Umama Fatema, JCD-backed panel's Abidul Islam Khan, Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad's Abdul Kader, and candidates Nayem Hasan Hridoy and Arafat Chowdhury met Vice Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan today to press their concerns.

After the meeting, Umama told reporters that written complaints were submitted by several panels, but the administration had not addressed them.

"The ballot papers found at Gausul Azam Market have not been explained. The voter turnout shown on election day did not match our field analysis. We asked for the attendance list, but the administration refused, citing privacy concerns," she said.

"Today, in our discussion with the VC and the proctor, they repeatedly tried to convince us that there is no scope to release the attendance list," she added.

She said, "It has been more than 15 days, but the administration is avoiding our questions rather than addressing them sincerely."

The JCD-backed panel had earlier claimed that on September 7, two days before the polls, a large number of Ducsu and hall union ballot papers were discovered in an unguarded state at a Nilkhet printing press.

Abidul, after meeting the VC, said, "It has been proven that ballot papers were printed at Nilkhet. Now it is the duty of the administration to investigate who printed them, who was present there, and to disclose the facts to the university community and the nation."

"CCTV footage can be collected easily. In today's age, there is no scope to avoid such questions," he added.

The candidates also alleged that the delay in publishing the casting list only deepens suspicion. "The excuses they are giving increase our doubts," said Abidul.

The Ducsu polls were held on September 9. The Shibir-backed Oikkoboddho Jote swept 23 out of 28 posts, with Abu Shadik Kayem elected vice-president, SM Farhad general secretary, and Mohiuddin Khan assistant general secretary.