DUCSU Poll at 6 Neutral Venues, 2018-19 Master’s Grads Ineligible

Dhaka University authorities held a final meeting with stakeholders on Sunday at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban to discuss the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election schedule. The meeting confirmed that voting will occur at six neutral venues across the campus.

The designated voting centers are:

1. Curzon Hall Centre: Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah Hall, Amar Ekushey Hall, Fazlul Haq Hall.
2. Physical Education Centre: Jagannath Hall, Shahid Sergeant Zahurul Haq Hall, Salimullah Muslim Hall.
3. Teacher-Student Centre: Rokeya Hall, Shamsun Nahar Hall, Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall.
4. Dhaka University Club Centre: Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall, Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall.
5. Senate Bhavan Centre (Alumni Floor, Seminar Room, Dining Room): Sir A.F. Rahman Hall, Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, Bijoy Ekattor Hall.
6. Udayan School and College Centre: Surya Sen Hall, Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, Kabi Jasim Uddin Hall.

The administration clarified that students from the 2018-19 academic year whose Master’s results have been published are ineligible to vote or contest in the DUCSU or hall union elections. The DU Syndicate lacks the authority to amend clauses 4(b) and 14(a) of the DUCSU constitution to reinstate these students as regular voters or candidates, as such a decision would violate administrative law principles.

To ensure a secure election environment, DU has strengthened campus security since June, installing 50 additional CCTV cameras, bringing the total to 182. Lighting has been enhanced at key locations, including Mohsin Hall, F.H. Hall, and the library. The proctorial mobile team, now with 38 members, operates 24/7, supported by armed police at security gates and army patrols at entry points. Special patrols to operate from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM near Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall and Maitree Hall. Floating shops have been evicted, and anti-crime operations, including drug control, are ongoing in collaboration with law enforcement.

Regarding disciplinary actions, a fact-finding committee has temporarily expelled 128 Bangladesh Chhatra League members, with further investigations underway. Only six complaints were received by 25 June, with the deadline extended to 31 July. Two cases at Shahbagh Police Station involve over 300 accused, and efforts to identify and prosecute Chhatra League members at the university and hall levels continue.