Election festivities conclude for Ducsu, imbued with a joyous atmosphere

In the heart of Dhaka, the historic campus of Dhaka University was buzzing with activity as candidates for the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) and hall union elections campaigned across the campus.

Independent candidates were also active during the campaigning period, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. The campus was flooded with campaign materials, some of which students were collecting as souvenirs.

Candidates from various panels, including the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD)-backed panel, distributed various materials themed after legal notices, dollar and taka bills, bookmarks, playing cards, and Gen-Z pop culture elements.

On the final day of campaigning, Iraj Nur Chowdhury, a fourth-year student of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, noted a greater excitement compared to previous days.

The JCD-backed panel formally took oath in the afternoon at the historic Bot Tola beside the Arts Building. However, their General Secretary candidate, Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim, expressed concerns but hoped for a festive and joyful election environment. Unfortunately, Tanvir Bari was defeated by SM Farhad of Islami Chhatra Shibir in the Ducsu elections.

Meanwhile, Al Sadi Bhuiyan, GS candidate from the independent Student Unity panel (Umama-Sadi), was campaigning at TSC in the evening. Meghmallar Basu, GS candidate from the panel Pratirodh Parshad, joined a press conference after being released from hospital and called on non-residential students to cast their votes.

Reports have surfaced about fake ID cards being prepared for use in voting lines. Measures have been taken to verify identities at polling centres to ensure a fair and transparent election process.

Professor Golam Rabbani, convener of the Ducsu code of conduct taskforce, stated that they've acted on every complaint regarding campaign violations. Booth numbers increased from 710 to 810 to prevent inconvenience for voters.

Tomorrow, students will cast their ballots from 8am to 4pm. This year, Ducsu has a total of 39,874 registered voters. Candidates for hall unions were equally active. In the evening, visits to AF Rahman Hall, Mohsin Hall, Surya Sen Hall, and Bijoy Ekattor Hall showed candidates going room to room for last-minute canvassing.

Independent GS candidate for AF Rahman Hall, Ashikul Hoque Rifat, was visiting every room in these final moments. Despite some uncertainty about voter turnout, Meghmallar Basu expressed enthusiasm among students about voting.

The elections promise to be an exciting event, with students eagerly anticipating the results. Stay tuned for updates on the Dhaka University Central Students' Union and Hall Union elections.