Why Are Rivals Dismissing Dhaka University Poll Results?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, student leaders have strongly rejected the Dhaka University Central Students' Union election results, labeling them a scheme orchestrated by the Chhatra Shibir. With claims of electoral fraud and manipulation, tensions are mounting at the university. What does this mean for the future of student politics in Bangladesh?
Key Takeaways
- Dhaka University election results widely disputed.
- Chhatra Shibir wins majority posts amid allegations of fraud.
- Accusations of university administration collusion.
- Student leaders call for boycott and transparency.
- Political implications for Bangladesh's student politics.
Dhaka, Sep 10 (NationPress) A group of student leaders has vehemently dismissed the results of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election, labeling them a “deliberate fraud” as Chhatra Shibir's Shadik Kayem has been elected as vice president (VP), as reported by local media.
Chhatra Shibir is the student faction of the radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami.
Voting occurred on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the election results announced on Wednesday revealed that Chhatra Shibir secured 23 out of 28 posts in the central committee, including the vice-president and general secretary positions, according to a prominent Bangladeshi newspaper, The Business Standard.
Shibir candidates Abu Shadik Kayem was elected as vice president, SM Farhad as general secretary, and Mohiuddin Khan as assistant general secretary (AGS).
Multiple candidates raised concerns over electoral misconduct during the election. Abidul Islam Khan, the BNP-supported vice president candidate, and independent candidate Umama Fatema, alongside leaders from various panels, boycotted the election.
They asserted that the Shibir alliance triumphed with backing from the university administration.
As Kayem was leading earlier in the day, Khan expressed on social media that the results would be “manipulated”, stating, “Adjust the figures as you please. I reject this orchestrated farce.”
Correspondingly, Umama Fatema, a former spokesperson for Students Against Discrimination who led protests last July, also denounced the election as rigged.
“Boycott! Boycott! I hereby reject Ducsu. An election marred by blatant rigging. Since August 5, the Dhaka University administration has brought disgrace upon the nation. An administration loyal to Shibir,” she stated in her social media post.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Awami League party accused university officials “supported by Muhammad Yunus” of pre-marking ballots to ensure victory for “Pakistan-backed Chhatra Shibir”.
Labeling the election a farce, the party claimed that voters who showed up to cast their votes were given slips with votes pre-marked for Shibir candidates SM Farhad and Shadiq Kayem.
“I went with my friend to vote. The ballot we received was already marked for Shibir candidates. When my friend confronted the polling officer at Table No. 1, instead of apologizing, he turned against her -- intimidating her, questioning her legitimacy, despite her having valid voter credentials!” recounted one student as quoted by the Awami League.
The party characterized it as “ballot-stuffing tyranny” aimed at silencing student voices and empowering extremist factions with foreign support.
These student leaders previously collaborated with Yunus and other political groups in efforts to topple the democratically elected Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Point of View
I believe that the integrity of university elections is crucial for fostering democratic values. The allegations raised by student leaders highlight significant concerns regarding electoral fairness. It is essential for the university administration to address these claims transparently to uphold trust and credibility within the student body.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the rejection of the DUCSU election results?
Student leaders rejected the results due to allegations of planned fraud and electoral irregularities.
Who won the key positions in the DUCSU elections?
Chhatra Shibir's Shadik Kayem was elected vice president, with SM Farhad as general secretary and Mohiuddin Khan as assistant general secretary.
What specific accusations were made against the university administration?
The Awami League party accused the administration of pre-filling ballots to favor Chhatra Shibir candidates.
How did the candidates react during the election?
Several candidates, including Abidul Islam Khan and Umama Fatema, accused the election of being rigged and boycotted the voting process.
Why is this election significant for student politics in Bangladesh?
The election results and the surrounding controversy may impact the future of student political movements and democratic practices at universities.
