The Dhaka University (DU) authorities have clarified their position regarding the allegations - raised by different panels following the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections held on September 9.
The administration stated that the DUCSU ballots were printed by a "tested" institution through a special process, which could not have been done by any printing press in Nilkhet. The information was revealed in a press release, issued on Wednesday by DU Deputy Director of Public Relations Forrukh Mahmud.
In the statement, the university administration outlined its stance in four points. It said the submitted applications or petitions (of the candidates) were thoroughly analysed and legal opinions were sought.
The release stated that some petitioners requested full access to the CCTV footage recorded on the election day and preserved afterwards. The administration reviewed the issue with due importance and took the opinions of legal experts, who said CCTV footage is not a public document.
However, if the candidates wish to review the footage of a specific time or incident, they may apply maintaining the proper procedure. They would be allowed to view the footage upon approval at a designated place in presence of the university-appointed experts or representatives.
Regarding the request for providing the signed voter lists, the release stated that the DU election authorities consider this to be highly sensitive and confidential. The DUCSU election regulations do not permit providing copies of such lists.
Moreover, thousands of students collected ballot papers and signed registers at the polling centers, which makes the lists extremely confidential and classified document.
Therefore, in order to protect the safety and privacy of students, the DU authorities do not deem it appropriate to release the important lists. Thus, based on vague and insubstantial applications, the administration politely expressed its inability to provide them.
The release also stated that the identity of the institution that printed the ballots was deliberately kept confidential. Maintaining this secrecy is a recognised practice. After printing, the institution cut the ballots in precise sizes, pre-scanned them with OMR machines to ensure machine readability, and delivered them in sealed packets.
The type of OMR machine used for scanning is not available at any printing shop at Nilkhet. Therefore, the entire ballot printing process was carried out with strict confidentiality, leaving no scope for compromise. Hence, the DU authorities believe that the allegations about ballot printing at Nilkhet, raised two weeks after the election, have no basis.
The press release added that the university authorities have already completed review of all the applications, petitions, and complaints. Replies and decisions would be sent to each of the parties concerned in due time.
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