Shibir-backed Shadik VP, Farhad GS, Mohiuddin AGS

In a landmark victory, candidates backed by Islami Chhatra Shibir have clinched the majority of positions in the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) elections, including the top three posts of Vice President (VP), General Secretary (GS), and Assistant General Secretary (AGS). This marks a historic resurgence for the organisation, which has regained control of the students' union after more than five decades.

Chief Returning Officer Professor Mohammad Jasim Uddin formally announced the results late last night following an intense vote count at the university's Senate Bhaban. The polling, conducted on Tuesday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm across eight centres, witnessed a robust voter turnout estimated at 70-80 per cent among registered students.

Abu Sadiq Kayem, the Shibir-backed candidate, emerged victorious in the VP race with 14,042 votes, decisively outpacing his nearest rival, Abidul Islam Khan from Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), who garnered 5,708 votes. Independent candidates Shamim Hossain and Umama Fatema secured 3,884 and 3,389 votes, respectively.

In the contest for General Secretary, Shibir leader SM Farhad triumphed with 10,794 votes, defeating JCD's Tanvir Bari Hamim (5,283 votes) and Resistance Council candidate Meghmallar Basu, who came a close third with 4,949 votes.

Mohammad Mohiuddin Khan, another Shibir-affiliated candidate, claimed the AGS post with 11,772 votes, ahead of JCD's Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed (5,064 votes) and Ashrefa Khatun from the anti-discrimination panel (900 votes).

The election process was largely peaceful, though not without incidents. A polling officer was relieved of duties midway through the day amid sporadic allegations. Tragically, a journalist covering the event passed away while on assignment.

High voter engagement was evident across various halls. Rokeya Hall reported over 1,400 votes in favour of Sadiq, while Jagannath Hall saw Abidul leading with 1,276 votes. F Rahman Hall also recorded strong participation.

Observers and candidates alike commended the enthusiastic turnout. Independent VP candidate Umama Fatema had earlier voiced optimism for a "free and fair election," emphasising the importance of transparency. JCD's Abidul Islam, meanwhile, cautioned that students would resist any attempts at manipulation.

The Shibir-backed panel's dominance extended beyond the top posts, with their candidates securing several key secretarial positions:

- Science and Technology Secretary: Md. Iqbal Zoydar (7,833 votes)
- Common Room, Canteen and Cafeteria Secretary: Umme Salma (9,920 votes)
- International Affairs Secretary: Jasim Uddin Khan (Khan Jasim) (9,706 votes)
- Literary and Cultural Secretary: Musaddak Ali Ibn Mohammad (7,782 votes)
- Research and Publication Secretary: Sanzida Ahmed Tithi (11,778 votes)
- Sports Secretary: Arman Hossain (7,255 votes)
- Student Transport Secretary: Md. Asif Abdullah (9,061 votes)
- Social Service Secretary: Md. Zubair Bin Monsur (Etb Jubair) (7,608 votes)
- Campus Development Secretary: Md. Majharul Islam (9,344 votes)
- Health and Environment Secretary: M. M. Al Tanmoy (Abdullah Al Tanmoy) (7,038 votes)
- Human Rights and Legal Affairs Secretary: Md. Jakaria (Sakhaoat Jakaria) (11,747 votes)

Campus reactions have described the outcome as a "historic moment," reflecting a significant shift in student politics at the country's premier university. The DUCSU, which represents over 40,000 students, has long been a battleground for ideological affiliations, and this election underscores evolving dynamics in youth leadership.