ISPR Clarifies No Army Deployment for DUCSU and JUCSU Elections
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate has issued a statement addressing recent media and social media reports claiming Bangladesh Army deployment for the upcoming central student union elections at various universities, including the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU). The ISPR clarified that the government has not issued any directive for the army to participate in these elections, nor is there any scope for such involvement in the future.
The statement, released on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at noon, emphasized that the Bangladesh Army believes the existing law enforcement agencies, in collaboration with university administrations, are fully capable of ensuring a peaceful and festive environment for the upcoming student union elections. The ISPR extended its best wishes to all stakeholders involved.
Contrary to earlier reports, on August 26, 2025, a meeting of DUCSU election returning officers decided that the army would serve as a “striking force” on September 9, 2025, the election day, and would cordon off polling centers during vote counting. This was confirmed by Chief Returning Officer Professor Dr. Mohammad Jasim Uddin. Similarly, on August 21, 2025, Jahangirnagar University’s Election Commission, led by Proctor AKM Rashidul Alam, announced army deployment as a striking force for three days during the JUCSU and hall union elections on September 11, 2025. These announcements sparked widespread discussion and criticism, prompting the ISPR to issue today’s statement clarifying the army’s non-involvement.
The ISPR’s response aims to dispel misinformation and reassure the public that the elections will proceed under civilian oversight, addressing concerns about military presence in what is considered an internal democratic process at the universities.
