The annual elections to Dhaka University Central Students' Union are taking place after six years on 9 September 2025.
Given the new political reality, the students are expecting competitive and fair polling.
The previous elections, held in 2019, were marred by Chhatra League men's assault on opponents, widespread allegations of irregularities, and ballot box stuffing. Student leaders are saying no single group now holds dominance, which has raised expectations of proper elections.
For 28 positions in the central union, 565 aspirants had collected forms as of 19 August afternoon. So far, it seems 12 panels will compete against each other.
At the dormitories, resident students bought 1,226 nomination forms.
According to the final voter register, there are a total of 39,775 voters, comprising 20,873 male students and 18,902 female students. Following a thorough scrutiny process, the final list of candidates is scheduled to be published on Thursday.
Since 2019, the DU administration has not taken any initiative to hold elections. There are allegations that the activities remained stalled for the last few years because of the now-banned outfit Chhatra League.
Individual Panels
Umama Fatema, former spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, is leading the Independent Students' Unity panel with Al Sadi Bhuiyan and Mohiuddin Mujahid Mahi from the DU Journalists' Association (DUJA).
Armanul Haque, who is contesting for AGS, stated they are running as an independent panel but confirmed that the VP and GS positions are not yet to be contested. Their platform focuses on issues like transportation, food safety, teacher evaluations, sexual harassment laws, bullying, legal representation, and funding for the science faculty.
Controversial ex-BCL leader Julias Cizer is also running for VP, alongside Arafat Chowdhury of Nirapotta Moncho. Cizer faces criticism from students, who mockingly call him "Dim Cizer."
Shameem Hossain from the English Department is another VP candidate, emphasising his focus on academic rights as distinct from the ideological concerns of his opponents.
Student organisations panel
The first complete panel was announced by Islami Chhatra Andolon Bangladesh on 7 August. Yasir Arafat, the former president of this organisation, is vying for the VP position, while Khairul Ahsan Marzan is competing for GS and Saif Mohammad Alauddin for AGS from this panel.
Another panel, named Protirod Porshod, emerged from Meghmollar Bashu and Tasnim Afroz Emi. They have officially announced their panel, emphasising their commitment to inclusivity rather than just tokenism.
Bin Yeamin Molla, the president of Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, has formed a panel that includes Sabina Yesmin and Rakibul Islam. Their campaign slogan is DUCSU for Change, Vote for Change.
Jatiyotabadi Chhatra Dal announced its panel with Abidul Islam Khan running for VP, Tanvir Bari Hamim for GS, and Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed for AGS. Earlier, Abidul Islam Khan, Mominul Islam, and BM Kawsar are known to have collected nomination forms. For the GS post, Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim, Mehedi Hasan, and others collected papers.
Sammlito Chhatra Oikya, the platform of former DUCSU Vice President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, has announced a DUCSU panel under the banner of his platform, Nagorik Chhatra Oikya. "DUCSU for Reform - Together we can" is their slogan for the election.
Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir announced its panel on 18 August. They incorporated indigenous people and female leaders in their panel. The campus is discussing its Liberation War affairs secretary and this panel included Tasnim Juma for the post, which is humorously called "outsourcing."
Mahin Sarkar, leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has formed an independent panel named DU First, with Jamaluddin Muhammad Khalid, a former Islami Chhatra Andolan member and leader of the Swadhin Bangladesh Chhatra Sangsad.
Bangladesh Democratic Student Council's panel consists of Abdul Qader, Abu Baker Mojumder and Ashrefa Khatun. Their panel is named after the Anti-Discrimination Student Parliament, which receives criticism from students. In the meantime, students are a bit frustrated without getting Tahmid Al Mudassir Chowdhury in the hotshot list.
Independent Students' Unity
Umama Fatema - VP
Al Sadi Bhuiyan - GS
Mohiuddin Mujahid Mahi - AGS
United Students Panel
Abu Shadik (Kayem) - VP
SM Farhad - GS
Mohiuddin Khan - AGS
Jatiyotabadi Chhatra Dal
Abidul Islam Khan - VP
Tanvir Bari Hamim - GS
Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed - AGS
Bangladesh Democratic Student Council
Abdul Qader - VP
Abu Baker Mojumder - GS
Ashrefa Khatun - AGS
Protirodh Porshod
Tasnim Afroz Emi - VP
Meghmollar Bashu - GS
Jabir Ahmed Jubel - AGS
Islami Chhatra Andolon Bangladesh
Yasir Arafat - VP
Khairul Ahsan Marzan - GS
Saif Mohammad Alauddin - AGS
DUCSU for Change
Bin Yeamin Molla - VP
Sabina Yesmin - GS
Rakibul Islam - AGS
Sammlito Chhatra Oikya
Jannati Bulbul - VP
Mahmudul Hasan - GS
DU First
Jamaluddin Muhammad Khalid - VP
Mahin Sarkar - GS
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