Resolve the DUCSU election deadlock

The role of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) is highly significant in Bangladesh's national politics. This student union has been a major force in shaping the democratic spirit and the rights movement of the country. From its inception, DUCSU has played a glorious role in the broader history of Bangladesh. It contributed to the Language Movement of 1952, the Education Movement of 1962, the Mass Uprising of 1969, the bloody liberation struggle for an independent Bangladesh in 1971, and later stood against autocracy and militarism, helping to establish a democratic Bangladesh. In recent popular uprisings, DUCSU has played a crucial role as well. However, the democratic rights of students have long been in limbo due to uncertainty surrounding the DUCSU elections.

After being inactive for 28 years, DUCSU and the 18 hall unions were revived through elections in 2019. However, even though the term of the last DUCSU and hall union committees expired in 2020, the university administration has not taken any steps to hold elections for the past five years. Of course, during this period, from March 2020 to September 2021, the university campus and residential halls were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the situation normalized, the campus and halls were reopened on October 5, 2021, but there has been no discussion in the media regarding DUCSU elections until last week. On January 5, news reports revealed that, in response to students' demands, the Dhaka University administration is reconsidering the DUCSU election. Since the fall of the government on August 5, the demand for student union elections has grown stronger at public universities. Already, the administration of Jahangirnagar University (JACSU) has announced a roadmap for elections. However, the Dhaka University Central Students' Union election (DUCSU) is still under a cautious approach by the administration. The student wing of the BNP (Chhatra Dal) wants the elections to take place after reforming the DUCSU constitution. However, anti-discrimination student movements, left-wing organizations, and general students, including Chhatra Shibir, are demanding that the elections be held without delay.

According to recent reports, the campus has become active regarding the DUCSU election. Active student organizations have reached a consensus on the need for reforms. However, on the issue of holding elections quickly, the organizations have split into two groups. While everyone agrees on the need for reforms, there is disagreement on the timing of the DUCSU election. The anti-discrimination student movement, Chhatra Shibir, and the Biplabi Chhatra Maitree argue that the election must be held within the specified time, i.e., by February. On the other hand, at least four student organizations, including the Chhatra League, Chhatra Union, and Chhatra Front, believe the election should be held after removing pro-Awami League members from the syndicate and amending the constitution.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that a committee has been formed to organize the DUCSU election, according to Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan. He mentioned that work is ongoing in a 'systematic' manner for the election. In response to questions from journalists last Saturday, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan said, "I have formed a committee for DUCSU. The committee will discuss with all stakeholders and submit recommendations. Based on those recommendations, the university administration will organize a vibrant DUCSU election."

However, the disagreement among the student organizations regarding when the election will be held has raised serious questions. Much of national politics is still uncertain. Amid this national political instability, no roadmap has yet been announced for how the DUCSU election will proceed. Many believe that the administration is indecisive about holding the election. Although a committee has been formed, the Chhatra Dal wants the election to be held only after the reforms.

On the other hand, a section of active students, including the anti-discrimination student movement and independent students, had set a deadline for announcing a roadmap for the election, which has now passed. Upon observing the overall situation, it seems that uncertainty regarding the DUCSU election will certainly have an impact on national politics as well. We hope that the Dhaka University administration, with the consensus of all student organizations, will hold the DUCSU election as soon as possible. This will also clarify the future direction of our national politics.