Mahin Sarkar quits DUCSU GS race, throws support behind Abu Baker

Independent candidate Mahin Sarkar has withdrawn from the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election race for the General Secretary (GS) position and announced his support for Abu Baker Mojumdar, the GS candidate from the Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad (BGCS) panel.

The announcement was made during a press conference held on Friday in front of Madhur Canteen on the Dhaka University campus. Abu Baker Mojumdar was also present.

Mahin had been contesting as part of the independent panel led by Jamaluddin Muhammad Khalid, convener of the Swadhin Bangladesh Chhatra Sangsad, who is running for the Vice President (VP) position from the ‘Shomonnito Shikkharthi Sangsad’ panel. Khalid is a student from the Arabic Department (2018–19 session) and a former president of the Islami Chhatra Andolan’s Dhaka University unit.

Mahin said he decided to step down in order to promote unity among students, emphasizing the importance of the ongoing mass uprising. “It is everyone’s responsibility to uphold the spirit of the uprising. Unity is needed not just on the university campus, but beyond,” he said.

He added, “If the leadership of DUCSU comes from the frontline of the uprising, they will have a deeper sense of responsibility toward the students. Abu Baker Mojumdar is a vanguard of the movement. If he is elected, it will be a victory for all of us.”

Abu Baker Mojumdar praised Mahin’s role in the movement, recalling their first meeting in June 2024 and highlighting Mahin’s efforts to organize students during difficult days of the uprising.

Earlier, Mahin Sarkar, who served as joint secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), was expelled from the party on 18 August for serious breaches of party discipline.

Despite this, Mahin had previously announced his intention to contest the DUCSU general secretary post before withdrawing his candidacy in favor of Abu Baker Mojumdar.