No Legal Barrier to S M Farhad’s DUCSU GS Candidacy, Confirms Lawyer

S M Farhad, the general secretary (GS) candidate from the Oikkyo Jot panel backed by Chhatra Shibir, will face no legal obstacles in contesting the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election scheduled for September 9, his lawyer confirmed on Wednesday.

Addressing journalists, Farhad’s legal counsel stated, “The writ petition has no basis here, as the court accepted it, clearing the way for Farhad’s candidacy without any impediments.” This follows the Appellate Division’s decision to uphold a stay on a High Court order that had postponed the DUCSU election until October 30.

The controversy began when B M Fahmida Alam, a candidate for the Liberation War and Democratic Movement Affairs Secretary post from the left alliance’s ‘Aparajeyo 71’ and ‘Adommo 24’ panels, filed a writ on August 28 challenging Farhad’s candidacy. The High Court, in a bench comprising Justices Habibul Gani and Sheikh Tahsin Ali, issued an order suspending the DUCSU election. However, on the same day, the Appellate Division’s Chamber Court, presided over by Justice Farah Mahbub, stayed the High Court’s order within hours based on a handwritten appeal by Dhaka University authorities. The Chamber Court directed the university to file an appeal with the Appellate Division, which was heard by a seven-member full bench led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed on Wednesday.

Dhaka University’s counsel, Shishir Monir, clarified, “The issue is not about political affiliations but whether candidates comply with university regulations.” He dismissed the writ petition as untenable, stating, “A writ cannot be filed on the question of what is right or wrong. Dhaka University, as an autonomous institution, is capable of handling such matters.” Monir noted that no objections were raised when the preliminary candidate list was published or when the final list was released on August 28. He argued that directly approaching the High Court without prior complaints to the university was unacceptable.

The High Court had directed Fahmida Alam to submit all allegations against Farhad to the DUCSU Election Tribunal within 15 days. However, the Appellate Division’s ruling ensures that the election will proceed as planned, with 471 candidates contesting for 28 DUCSU posts and 1,035 candidates vying for 13 posts across 18 hall unions.

Monir emphasized, “The claim that someone’s candidacy was canceled solely for being part of Chhatra League is incorrect. Caesar’s candidacy was canceled based on specific allegations.” He reiterated that the DUCSU election faces no legal barriers, allowing all eligible candidates, including Farhad, to participate.