HC order put on hold, no obstacle for DUCSU election

The High Court order postponing the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election until October 30 has been put on hold by the Chamber Court.

The order was issued on Monday (September 1) afternoon. Lawyer Shishir Monir confirmed the matter to the media.

He said, “Dhaka University authorities filed a petition in the Chamber Court against the High Court’s order on the DUCSU election. Subsequently, the Chamber Court put aside the High Court’s order. As a result, there is no obstacle to holding the DUCSU election.”

Earlier on the same day, a High Court bench led by Justice Habibul Gani, in an order on a writ petition, stated that the DUCSU election would remain postponed until October 30.

The writ was filed by BM Fahmida Alam, candidate for Secretary of Liberation War and Democratic Movement from the left-alliance-nominated panel, challenging the validity of GS candidate SM Farhad, who was nominated by the United Students' Alliance and supported by Chhatrashibir.

The final list published on 26 August showed a total of 471 candidates. Of those who initially submitted nominations, 28 withdrew voluntarily. Meanwhile, 10 candidates who were rejected during the selection process did not appeal, resulting in the cancellation of their nomination papers.

According to the final list, 45 candidates were set to contest for the post of Vice-President (VP), 19 for General Secretary (GS), and 25 for Assistant General Secretary (AGS). Additionally, 17 candidates were running for Secretary of Liberation War and Democratic Movement, 11 for Common Room, Reading Room and Cafeteria Secretary, 14 for International Secretary, 19 for Literature and Cultural Secretary, and 12 for Science and Technology Secretary. For Research and Publications Secretary, there were nine candidates; Sports Secretary, 13; Student Transport Secretary, 12; Social Service Secretary, 17; Health and Environment Secretary, 15; Human Rights and Law Secretary, 11; and Career Development Secretary, 15.

The highest level of competition was for the Members’ posts, with 217 candidates contesting. In total, 471 candidates were set to compete for 28 positions.

According to the announced schedule, the elections for the DUCSU central committee and hall councils were originally to be held on 9 September.