DUCSU voting concludes

Voting for the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and the hall student union elections concluded on Tuesday, following an uninterrupted polling process from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Held during the 100th anniversary year of DUCSU, this marks the 38th election of the body after a six-year hiatus, generating a vibrant and festive mood among students and faculty alike. For the first time in the university’s history, polling centers were established outside the residential halls and held in academic buildings, aiming to ensure greater fairness and transparency.

Nearly 40,000 students registered as voters at eight centers across the campus, with 810 booths set up to facilitate voting. Polling locations included Curzon Hall, Physical Education Center, TSC, Dhaka University Club, Senate Building, Udayan School and College, Department of Geology, and University Laboratory School and College. The highest turnout was recorded at the Udayan School and College center, which serves over 6,000 students from Surja Sen, Zia, Sheikh Mujib, and Jasimuddin halls.

While voter numbers slightly declined compared to previous elections, the number of candidates rose significantly. A total of 471 candidates are contesting for 28 DUCSU positions, while 1,035 candidates are vying for 234 posts in the hall student union elections. The removal of the age limit allowed greater participation this year. Notably, the banned student league did not field any candidates. The main contest is among Chhatra Dal, the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed United Student Alliance, the Democratic Student Council-supported Anti-Discrimination Student Council, a coalition of seven leftist groups called the Resistance Council, and several independent candidates.

Security was tight across the campus, with police control rooms established at TSC and law enforcement agencies including BNCC, Rover Scouts, and Rangers deployed to maintain order. Live vote counts were displayed on LED screens outside each polling center.

Chief Returning Officer Mohammad Jasim Uddin expressed satisfaction with the process, stating, “All necessary arrangements have been made for peaceful voting in a festive atmosphere. If DUCSU can set a model, it will serve as an example for the entire country.”

Vote counting is currently underway, with results expected to be announced later tonight.