DUCSU poll results: What students from other institutions think

After six years, the long-awaited Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections have been held. In the “mini-parliament” known as DUCSU, the panel backed by Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir won a landslide victory. Out of 28 posts contested across 810 booths in eight centres, Shibir-supported candidates secured 23.

The announcement of the results sparked widespread debate among students — not only on the DU campus but also across educational institutions nationwide. Allegations of vote rigging surfaced, while others termed the outcome as “reflection of students mandate.”

Election background
Established in 1922, Dhaka University (DU) and its central students’ union have long been at the heart of student politics. DUCSU polls had been largely suspended since the 1990s. A controversial election took place in 2019, followed by a six-year break before the 2025 polls, which drew significant attention from students. This year’s results mark a departure from history. Traditionally, pro-liberation forces have dominated DUCSU. The unexpected victory of Shibir-backed candidates has left some students shocked, while others see it as a signal of shifting dynamics in student politics.

Reactions from outside DU
Zubair Ahmed, a student of Dhanmondi Law College, called the results a reflection of DU students’ genuine verdict. “This is what the students wanted. Everyone should accept it. Democracy means respecting differing opinions. Losing does not mean rejecting the people’s mandate,” he said.

Nabin Rahman, a student of Tejgaon College, questioned the neutrality of the election and raised concerns over Pakistani influence. He claimed, “Before DUCSU’s Election Commission even declared results, some Pakistani media outlets published the names of Shibir leaders. How did they know in advance? Doesn’t this prove Pakistan’s direct influence?”

Md Zubair Alam Saikat, a second-year Honours student of Bangabandhu College, described the election as “the most unfit in history.” He argued, “If the DU administration had prepared properly, how could the Chhatra Dal not win even a single post out of 28? Clearly, there was a conspiracy.”

Omar Faruk, a private university student, saw the results as a new threat. “This shows how religious politics is surfacing in student politics nationwide, led by extremist groups. Progressive student organisations have failed to prove their strength. Unless pro-liberation forces unite, the nation’s future will sink into darkness,” he warned.

Mahmudul Hasan of Jagannath University interpreted Shibir’s win as organisational strength rather than rigging. “Defeated sides will always raise allegations. But Shibir’s victory proves their long-term preparation and strong organisation. Dismissing it as mere rigging is not fair,” he said.

Nishat Tasnim, a student of Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, expressed doubt about the DU administration’s neutrality. “When Chhatra Dal fails to secure even one seat, it is not normal. This reflects the implementation of a specific agenda by the administration,” she alleged.