`Army assistance may be sought for Ducsu election'

Chief Returning Officer (CRO) of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) election, Professor Dr Mohammad Zashim Uddin, on Thursday said that assistance from the Bangladesh Army may be sought if required to ensure security during the upcoming student body polls.

The statement comes amid public speculation regarding the involvement of security forces in the election. However, the Bangladesh Army, in an earlier statement, clarified that it has not yet received any directive from the government regarding deployment for the Ducsu or any other student union election.

“If the need arises, we will request for their assistance through the university administration,” said Dr Zashim Uddin, adding that there is currently no cause for concern about the overall security situation.

Returning Officer Kazi Maruful Haque also addressed the matter, confirming that army deployment had been discussed previously and remains under active consideration.

“This was in response to students’ demands related to election-day security,” Haque stated. “One of the major demands was to relocate polling centres outside the residential halls. That demand has already been fulfilled.”

He further noted that the voting process has been designed to be efficient and transparent. “It will take approximately eight minutes for each student to cast all their votes,” he said. “Everyone will be able to vote. There will be no irregularities. There is no reason to worry at this point.”

The Ducsu election, a significant event in student politics, is drawing attention from various quarters, with stakeholders calling for a peaceful and fair electoral process.