DUCSU leaders detail one-year record, cite administrative hurdles

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) leaders on Thursday outlined their activities and accountability record after completing one year in office, highlighting initiatives in transport, student welfare, healthcare, skills development and campus infrastructure.

DUCSU Vice-President (VP) Abu Shadik Kayem presented the report at an event in front of the DUCSU building on Thursday (September 17). He said the elected body had completed many of the commitments in its election manifesto, while several initiatives remained stalled due to what he described as a lack of cooperation from the university administration and government.

General Secretary (GS) S M Farhad also presented parts of the report at the event. Other elected DUCSU leaders were present.

Shadik Kayem said DUCSU had worked to modernise the university’s transport system and expand services during its first year. He also highlighted plans and initiatives involving five new halls and 10 buildings, the introduction of shuttle services, and modernisation of the medical centre and Central Mosque.

The union also organised higher education and skills development programmes, along with driving training, he said. More than 400 students received legal assistance during the year, while mosquito control, bedbug eradication and cleanliness drives were conducted across residential halls.

He said budgets had also been secured for hall renovations. Reading rooms in 13 halls were equipped with air conditioning and modernised as part of the union’s efforts to improve facilities for students.

DUCSU has proposed making union elections part of the university’s academic calendar to ensure regular student representation, Shadik Kayem said. He also highlighted the introduction of maternity leave, daycare and gymnasium facilities, as well as efforts to secure funding for breastfeeding rooms and daycare services.

Legal support and student welfare

On sexual harassment and cyberbullying, Shadik Kayem said DUCSU had submitted proposals to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner seeking government action and a stronger social mechanism to prevent such incidents.

He said more than 100 students affected by sexual harassment and cyberbullying had received direct legal assistance. DUCSU also took other measures, including forming committees to address such complaints.

The union said it had modernised common rooms and expanded facilities for students, while also undertaking programmes to encourage research and higher education. Kayem also outlined activities involving the medical centre, mental health and other healthcare services.

DUCSU leaders said they had published subject-based literature, periodicals and books and worked with authorities on campus transport. They said lists of vehicle drivers, designated uniforms and fare charts were prepared, while a proposal was made to coordinate with the DMP for traffic assistance at eight university gates.

Some of those initiatives, however, have remained suspended following the change in government, they said. DUCSU also cited the removal of a risky footbridge near Begum Sufia Kamal Hall, renovation of another passenger shelter and efforts to establish a campus free from external control.

Teacher evaluation remains unresolved

DUCSU leaders said a teacher evaluation system had been approved by the SMT and Academic Council before being placed before the Syndicate. They alleged that the administration had delayed its implementation despite repeated demands.

The union said it subsequently launched its own student-focused website without waiting for the administration. DU officials have previously questioned the union’s authority to undertake certain activities independently.

The leaders also highlighted initiatives to simplify services at the Registrar Building and said DUCSU had sought accountability for banned Bangladesh Chhatra League activists and teachers they described as supporters of “fascism.”

They said the second DUCSU executive meeting cancelled a resolution granting former prime minister Sheikh Hasina lifetime membership, arguing that the decision had exceeded the union’s authority. They also cited protests and other actions over alleged involvement of banned Chhatra League activists in an attack on July 17 and an incident involving the hanging of banners.

Library, sports and campus facilities

DUCSU leaders said they had taken steps to expand the Central Library and improve facilities in other libraries. They also involved alumni in several welfare initiatives, renovated mosques and other places of worship, and provided scholarships to meritorious students.

First-aid boot camps were organised to train sick-room staff and other employees in residential halls, while the union also promoted the use of science and technology to improve access to services.

The union also organised programmes marking the anniversary of the July uprising and said it had taken positions on international human rights issues. It coordinated activities involving hall unions and active social organisations and organised meetings with ambassadors and international delegations.

DUCSU leaders said they had also worked with students on issues of public concern and observed national and other important days.

At Senate sessions, DUCSU representatives staged a walkout in protest against the continued use of names associated with figures they described as icons of “fascism” on university facilities. The leaders said all DUCSU members and representatives of the hall unions had met twice during the year to present their work and activities.

They also said no class or examination had to be suspended for even a single day because of campus instability during their tenure. The DUCSU building was also renovated during the year, they said.

Several projects remain stalled

DUCSU leaders said a number of planned projects remain pending, including computer labs in all halls, AI and programming training, internships, certification support, an innovation hub and job fairs.

They also said a field renovation project and a digital survey had been halted. Five projects involving the Local Government Division and Dhaka South City Corporation, including the entrance to A F Rahman Hall, renovation of the DUCSU cafeteria, pond-side development, walkways, lighting and beautification, are also pending, according to the leaders.

Other unresolved initiatives include the introduction of registered rickshaws, appointment of police personnel and the purchase of two minibuses and two microbuses through the auction of old vehicles. DUCSU leaders said these initiatives had received approval but remained stalled.

Shadik Kayem and Farhad alleged that some DUCSU initiatives had been obstructed by the political government and university administration. They said the union would continue to pursue projects that they believe are necessary for student welfare.

The full DUCSU activities and accountability report is available here.