Vote counting disrupted at TSC, DU Club centres

Vote counting at two key centers in the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election has been disrupted amid clashes and protests by candidates.

The counting process has been suspended at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) and Dhaka University Club centers due to disturbances caused by rival candidates and their supporters, according to election officials.

On Tuesday evening, Shadik Kayem, the vice-presidential candidate backed by the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami (Chhatra Shibir), reportedly entered the Dhaka University Club center accompanied by a group of supporters. His presence at the venue has been widely shared on social media. Observers at the center confirmed that vote counting has yet to resume.

Meanwhile, at the TSC center, Abidul Islam Khan, the vice-presidential candidate supported by Chhatra Dal, and Hasibul Islam, an independent candidate for Joint General Secretary, were seen staging protests at the entrance, preventing the counting process from starting. They chanted slogans such as “Vote thieves” and “Administration are vote thieves,” creating further tension at the site.

Abidul Islam Khan accused the authorities of allowing Sadik Kayem to oversee vote counting at multiple centers, while barring others from entry.

Earlier in the day, during a post-voting press briefing, Abidul Islam Khan alleged widespread rigging in the election. He criticized the university administration for allegedly permitting Jamaat-Shibir activists on campus under the pretext of security passes, undermining the fairness of the election.

Throughout the voting day, Khan and his supporters raised several complaints about irregularities. He vowed to resist any attempts to manipulate the vote count.

The disruptions have raised concerns over the smooth conduct of the DUCSU election, as students await the official results.