What impact could this DUCSU election have on future politics of Bangladesh

From 1924 to 2025, in the hundred-year history of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), is this year’s DUCSU election going to be the most important? It is difficult to determine which historical events are more significant than others. Often such decisions cannot be made immediately. In the long course of history, many important events fade into obscurity, while some seemingly minor issues shine brightly. Perspective, analysis, bias—all combine to produce different interpretations of events. Even so, it can clearly be said that DUCSU has played a notable role in our national liberation movement, and especially in shaping the society, culture and politics of the Bengali middle-class educated Muslims after Partition.

At the time of Partition, DUCSU Vice-President Maulvi Farid Ahmad played an important role, from the Bengali Language Movement to the 1954 United Front election, though many may have forgotten him today. When Rashed Khan Menon was elected DUCSU Vice-President in 1963–64, leftist politics in this country was at its peak. At that time, the General Secretary elected was the fiery leader Matia Chowdhury. We will not now debate their political errors, but their contribution to the Liberation War of 1971 and the subsequent shaping of Bangladesh cannot be denied. Nor can we deny the role of Tofail Ahmed, elected Vice-President in 1968–69, whose initiative conferred the title “Bangabandhu” upon Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1969.

Despite much criticism, we cannot forget ASM Abdur Rob, DUCSU Vice-President in 1970–71. Under his leadership, on 2 March 1971, students of Dhaka University first raised the flag bearing the map of Bangladesh. On 3 March 1971, he gave Sheikh Mujibur Rahman the title “Father of the Nation” at Paltan Maidan. Later, at his and Shajahan Siraj’s initiative, the formation of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) in 1972 became a notable event in Bangladesh’s politics. Mention may also be made of Mujahidul Islam Selim, elected Vice-President from the Students’ Union in 1972–73, which also reflects the political current of post-independence Bangladesh. Mahmudur Rahman Manna was elected DUCSU Vice-President twice in succession, in 1979–80 and 1980–81. As president of Nagorik Oikya, he remains active in politics today.

The contribution of Nurul Haque Nur as the last DUCSU Vice-President is something the generation of the 1990s has seen with its own eyes. After almost twenty years of suspension, he was elected DUCSU VP in 2019–20. That election, held at the directive of the Supreme Court following the quota reform movement of 2018, stirred the entire country. Nurul Haque Nur, who gained popularity by leading the movement, defeated the Chhatra League candidate to become Vice-President. From then on he consistently criticised the ruling Awami League government. His contribution to the unprecedented July 2024 mass uprising was undeniable. And not only his individual role—the coordinators of the July uprising who rose to prominence included many students from his party.

In such a context, five years after the mass uprising, DUCSU elections are being held today, Tuesday 9 September. This is the first election at any level in Bangladesh after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. That is why the whole country is watching this election closely. Analysts believe that, before the national elections scheduled for February next year, this student union election will be a litmus test for the interim government. In many ways, this election is being seen differently from past ones.

This time the number of candidates is very high. The number of women candidates is also higher than in earlier elections. However, there are allegations that female candidates have been widely harassed on social media. For the 28 posts in DUCSU, 471 candidates are contesting. In 18 hall unions, there will be elections for 13 posts each. For the 234 posts in the hall unions, 1,035 candidates are contesting. In total, each voter will cast 41 votes this time. There are 39,874 voters, of whom 18,959 are women—almost half. For the post of Vice-President alone, 45 candidates are contesting, including five women. Altogether, 62 women are contesting various DUCSU posts.

Students and politicians alike see this DUCSU election as an opportunity and a pledge to return to healthy politics. The public share the same hope. Candidates have all expressed optimism that they will maintain political decorum and mutual respect. They have sworn to reflect a democratic spirit in dealing with political opponents. They have pledged that under no circumstances will they allow the return of the political malpractice of the fascist era—hated mass-room practices, guest-room torture, forcing participation in political programmes, or persecution for dissent.


Voting in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections has ended. Polling began at eight centres at 8 a.m. today, Tuesday, and concluded at 4 p.m. The results are now awaited. The Vice-Chancellor said, “A small problem occurred by mistake at Curzon Hall, for which we immediately took action. Nevertheless, we will investigate again and if anyone is found responsible, action will be taken.” It may be noted that at Curzon Hall, one voter had been given two ballots. The polling officer was later removed. Regarding allegations that at the TSC centre a voter was given a ballot already marked with a cross, the Vice-Chancellor said, “Here too we immediately took the necessary action.” He added that DUCSU elections had now become a demand of the nation, and expressed hope that both winners and losers would accept the results, acknowledging that there was no lack of transparency anywhere.

If all goes well, the final results will be known by tonight. And by tomorrow, or the day after, or in the coming week, the coming month, and before the national election, it will be broadly possible to assess what impact the DUCSU election will have on the future politics of Bangladesh.