DUCSU Polls: Shadik Elected VP, Farhad GS

Candidates backed by Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir swept the long-awaited Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections, clinching key posts with overwhelming margins over their nearest rivals. The polls were held after a seven-year break.

Shibir-supported Oikkoboddho Shikkharthi Jote’s vice-president (VP) candidate, Abu Shadik Kayem, won with 14,042 votes, leaving behind Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal-backed candidate Md Abidul Islam Khan, who secured 5,708 votes.

For general secretary (GS), Shibir’s SM Farhad received 10,794 votes against Chhatra Dal’s Shaikh Tanvir Baree Hamim, who got 5,283. Meanwhile, Shibir-nominated Muhammad Mohiuddin Khan was elected assistant general secretary (AGS) with 11,772 votes, defeating Chhatra Dal’s Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed, who obtained 5,064.

The 38th DUCSU polls were held in a festive but contentious atmosphere, marred by allegations of irregularities, disputes over rejected ballots, slow counting, and delays in announcing results.

Voting took place from 8am to 4pm on Tuesday across 810 booths in eight centres. Out of 39,775 students from 18 halls, unofficial reports showed a turnout of 78.33%.

Chief Returning Officer Prof Mohammad Zashim Uddin began declaring official results at the Senate Building at 8:25am on Wednesday, more than 16 hours after polls closed.

Following his victory, Shadik Kayem thanked students for their trust and urged rivals to respect the outcome. However, his main opponent Abidul Islam rejected the results outright, alleging manipulation. On Facebook, he wrote: “I anticipated this fabricated result by noon. Adjust the numbers as you wish. I reject this staged farce.”

Independent Student Alliance’s VP candidate Umama Fatema also dismissed the results, accusing Dhaka University authorities of partisanship. “Boycott! Boycott! We reject DUCSU. This was a sham election marred by open rigging. Once again, the university administration, run by Shibir, has shamed the nation,” she posted.

Tensions mounted after voting ended, with panel candidates and their supporters clashing over allegations of ballot manipulation. BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami activists also mobilized at university entrances and other spots in Dhaka, raising fears of violence.

Law enforcement agencies, however, remained deployed to avert clashes.

To ease tensions, three advisers of the interim government met BNP and Jamaat leaders. Separately, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police chief and a special assistant to the chief adviser held discussions with them. Both parties assured the authorities that they would restrain their supporters and avoid confrontations.

In total, 471 candidates vied for 28 DUCSU posts, while more than 1,000 others contested 234 hall union seats. At least 10 panels and numerous independent candidates took part in the landmark polls.