All eyes are on Dhaka University campus as its Central Students' Union (DUCSU) elections approach.
The polls are seen as a litmus test; how it is dealt with may well set the course for the national elections slated for mid-February.
In the DU campus, the main demands of the general students echo those of the nation: transparency, accountability, and the protection of rights.
In conversations with Stream, contestants and students stressed that DUCSU should focus on addressing campus issues rather than serving as a platform for national political agendas.
Meghmallar Bosu, president of the Dhaka University unit of the Bangladesh Students' Union, and one of the candidates, said the polls depend entirely on the students.
"The responsibility lies with them. The general students will choose those who can truly ensure their rights," Meghmallar said.
Meanwhile, Chhatra Odhikar Parishad President Bin Yamin Molla, who will contest the vice-president (VP) post, said, "We are prioritising Dhaka University itself. We don't want to use DUCSU to create national leaders. Elections must be held every year in accordance with the DUCSU calendar."
He added that they were working to protect students' rights.
Questioning why the nomination submission deadline was extended, he said, "We, the students of Dhaka University, want the DUCSU election to take place, and it is going to happen. However, there have been internal issues among the authorities which has caused delays."
Aside from the candidates, general students also demanded the elections be held properly, while questioning the role of the authorities.
Minhazul Islam, a student of Dhaka University, said, "Political parties are still trying to expand their influence in the halls. The position of the authorities is still questionable."
Dina Al Islam, a student of the Geography and Environment Department, said one of the main concerns of the students was whether the halls would remain free from political influence.
Another student, Rajib Rahman, said all hidden politics must end, and transparency must be ensured.
He hinted that there were worries the DU authorities were supporting a certain group.
Golam Ahmed, a student of Mathematics at DU, meanwhile, urged that students' academic concerns be addressed.
"Personally, I am interested in research, so I want funding to be increased, and I hope the elected DUCSU panel will ensure this. Our classrooms and halls face multiple crises, which need to be addressed. We expect the standard of news coverage to improve, and the medical centre should be upgraded as well," he said.
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