The distribution of nomination forms for the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election concluded on Monday with a heavy rush, as 442 nomination forms collected that day brought the total number of candidates to 565.
In addition, 1,226 nomination papers were submitted for hall union elections. This year's DUCSU polls will see eight panels competing alongside a significant number of independent candidates.
The panels include: Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), Islami Chhatra Shibir, Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad (BGCS), Bangladesh Student Rights Council, Leftist Students' Alliance, Islami Chhatra Andolon, and two independent platforms led by Umama Fatema and Jamal Uddin Khalid.
JCD has yet to finalise its lineup, although several leaders have collected forms for top positions, including Mominul Haque Zisan and Abidul Islam Khan for vice-president, Tanvir Bari Hamim and Abidur Rahman Mishu for general secretary, and Tanbir Al Hady Mayed for assistant general secretary. The central body is expected to announce the final panel later.
Islami Chhatra Shibir, meanwhile, has confirmed a full panel with Sadiq Kayem for vice-president, SM Farhad for general secretary, and Mahiyuddin Khan for assistant general secretary.
The panel notably includes Raisul Islam, a visually impaired candidate, and Khan Jashim, who lost an eye during the July uprising, as international affairs secretary.
Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad has fielded Abdul Quader as vice-president, Abu Baker Mojumder as general secretary, and Ashrefa Khatun as assistant general secretary, while the remaining names will be announced later.
The Leftist Students' Alliance has nominated Tasnim Afroz Imee for vice-president, Meghamallar Basu for general secretary, and Jabir Ahmed Jubel for assistant general secretary.
The Bangladesh Student Rights Council, running under the slogan "DUCSU for Change, Vote for Change," has nominated Bin Yamin Molla as vice-president, Sabina Yasmin as general secretary, and Rakibul Islam as assistant general secretary.
Among independents, Umama Fatema is contesting for vice-president, while Dhaka University Journalists' Association president Mohiuddin Mujahid Mahi has taken a form for general secretary post, with the remaining candidates to be announced later.
Another independent platform, DU First, led by Jamal Uddin Khalid, features Khalid for vice-president, Mahin Sarkar for general secretary, and Fateha Sharmin Eni for assistant general secretary.
Islami Chhatra Andolan has nominated Yasin Arafat for vice-president, Khairul Ahsan Marzan for general secretary, and Saif Mohammad Alauddin for assistant general secretary.
Several other student activists, including former coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and leaders of the Student Federation, have also collected nomination papers for various posts.
For the hall union elections, a total of 1,226 candidates submitted forms.
Major submissions include 71 from Salimullah Muslim Hall, 97 from Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall, 66 from Jagannath Hall, 78 from Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall, 93 from Shahid Sergeant Zahurul Huq Hall, 90 from Surja Sen Hall, 74 from Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, 37 from Shamsun Nahar Hall, 74 from Jasimuddin Hall, 87 from Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall, 69 from Jatir Janak Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, 40 from Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall, 46 from Ruqayyah Hall, 29 from Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall, 30 from Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, 84 from Amar Ekushey Hall, 88 from Bijoy Ekattor Hall, and 73 from AF Rahman Hall.
To ensure greater participation of female students, two new polling centres have been added: one at the Department of Geology for Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall voters, and another at the University Laboratory School and College for Shamsun Nahar Hall voters.
armanhossen7971@gmail.com
