Allegations of irregularities mar DUCSU election, neutrality in question

Allegations of irregularities have cast a shadow over the long-anticipated Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, with multiple candidates and student panels raising serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of the voting process.

Claims of ballot boxes being found pre-filled, polling agents being removed or reassigned without explanation, mismanagement at polling centers, and preferential treatment towards certain candidates have sparked criticism and prompted questions about the neutrality of both the university administration and the Election Commission.

Abdul Kader, Vice-President (VP) candidate from the Anti-Discrimination Student Panel, accused the authorities of favoring a particular group. “The democratic rights of students have become a joke,” he said.

Umama Fatema, VP candidate from the Independent Unity Alliance, alleged that their polling agents were deliberately reassigned to unsuitable centers—male agents were placed in female halls and vice versa. She claimed that despite administrative assurances, the issues were not resolved, forcing candidates to intervene themselves.

“No explanation was given for the removal of our agents,” said Fatema. “Yet their presence is crucial during the vote count.”

She also pointed to broader logistical issues, noting long lines due to a shortage of polling centers, and a lack of basic facilities such as secure storage for personal items, drinking water, or saline solutions for voters.

S.M. Farhad, General Secretary (GS) candidate from the Shibir-backed United Student Alliance, alleged that one of their agents was forced out and replaced by a Chhatra Dal representative. He described the administration’s silence on the matter as “deeply disappointing.”

Chhatra Dal-backed VP candidate Abidul Islam Khan denied the allegations, stating he had entered polling centers with proper authorization. He did, however, confirm being denied access to some locations. Regarding the distribution of flyers with candidate photos, he said, “It was done to assist voters. Other panels were doing the same.”

Khan added that although the administration initially permitted only one agent per polling station, this limit was later revised to eight. He acknowledged various irregularities but said candidates refrained from making strong public statements to maintain a peaceful election atmosphere.

Md. Khairul Ahsan Marzan, GS candidate from the Islami Chhatra Andolan-backed Conscious Student Panel, claimed that their agents were forcibly removed from centers. “This election is neither free, nor fair, nor competitive,” he said.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Alliance alleged that ballot boxes were discovered already filled at the Amar Ekushey Hall, describing the situation as “a farce in the name of an election.”

Several student organizations also accused the administration of failing to take action despite repeated violations of the electoral code of conduct. The discontent has extended to the student body, with many expressing disappointment.

“If this is what an election looks like, then what is the point of DUCSU?” asked a student from the Department of Political Science.