DUCSU Election Set for September 9 as Appellate Division Blocks High Court Order

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has upheld the stay on a High Court order that had postponed the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections until October 30, paving the way for the polls to proceed as scheduled on September 9.

The decision came on Wednesday following a hearing by a seven-member full bench of the Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed. With this ruling, there are no further legal obstacles to conducting the DUCSU election as per the announced schedule.

The issue originated when B M Fahmida Alam, a candidate for the post of Liberation War and Democratic Movement Affairs Secretary from the left alliance’s ‘Aparajeyo 71’ and ‘Adommo 24’ panels, filed a writ on August 28 challenging the candidacy of S M Farhad, a general secretary (GS) candidate and Chhatra Shibir leader. The High Court, in response, issued an order on the same day suspending the DUCSU election until October 30.

However, Dhaka University authorities promptly appealed the High Court’s decision. Within hours, the Chamber Court, presided over by Justice Farah Mahbub, stayed the High Court’s order on Tuesday and directed that the matter be heard by the Appellate Division’s regular bench on Wednesday, with the stay remaining in effect until the hearing.

The Appellate Division’s ruling has now cleared SM Farhad to participate in the DUCSU election without legal impediments, as confirmed by legal representatives. Dhaka University’s counsel, Shishir Monir, clarified, “The claim that someone’s candidacy was canceled solely for being associated with Chhatra League is incorrect. Caesar’s candidacy was canceled based on specific allegations.”

The DUCSU election has seen significant activity, with Jatiyatabadi Chatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, Gonotantrik Chhatra Songshad, and leftist student organizations announcing separate panels. Around 10 panels, both full and partial, have been fielded. A total of 471 candidates are contesting for 28 DUCSU posts, while 1,035 candidates are vying for 13 posts across 18 hall unions.

The Appellate Division’s decision ensures that the much-anticipated election, a critical event in Dhaka University’s student politics, will proceed without further delays, allowing candidates and voters to engage in the democratic process as planned.