‘Cat Campaign’ Wins Hearts in DUCSU Election Race
As the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election approaches on September 9, a festive atmosphere has enveloped the campus. With the polling date drawing near, candidates are employing innovative strategies to capture voters’ attention. Among the diverse campaign tactics, a unique trend has emerged: candidates and their supporters are leveraging the charm of cats to appeal to animal lovers, particularly cat enthusiasts, through social media campaigns featuring feline companions.
Candidates have previously used creative methods such as aligning ballot numbers with iconic locations like Dhanmondi 32, announcing manifestos through folk songs, producing video content, reciting poetry, singing, distributing currency-inspired leaflets, offering free English lessons for a year, and setting up suggestion-complaint boxes. However, the cat-centric campaign has particularly struck a chord with many on campus.
The trend began when supporters of Sadiq Kayem, the vice-president (VP) candidate from the Chhatra Shibir-backed Oikkyaboddho Shikkharthi Jot panel, shared images of him with a cat, sparking widespread attention. Similarly, Abidul Islam Khan, the VP candidate from the Chhatra Dal-supported panel, gained traction after a photo of him petting a cat during a campaign at Dr. Shahidullah Hall went viral on Facebook. On Wednesday, the Oikkyaboddho Shikkharthi Jot page posted images and videos of their GS candidate, SM Farhad, playfully interacting with a cat, accompanied by a call for votes.
Mohammad Mazharul Islam, a candidate for Career Development Secretary from the same panel, joined the trend, posting a photo with a cat and humorously commenting, “Farhad bhai’s cat picture doesn’t quite fit. Cat pictures suit Sibga bhai, Sadiq bhai, Mahi bhai, and this guy (himself). I still don’t get the cat saga after a day of campaigning.”
Other candidates, including GS candidate Al Sadi Bhuiyan from the Swatantra Shikkharthi Oikya panel, independent AGS candidate Tahmid Al Muddassir Chowdhury, and Liberation War and Democratic Movement Affairs Secretary candidate Fatima Tasnim Juma, have also embraced cat-themed campaigns, sharing images and posts on social media to connect with voters.
A supporter of Sadiq Kayem, DU student Miraz Uddin Sifat, posted a heartfelt caption alongside a photo of Sadiq with a cat: “Having seen Sadiq bhai up close, I realize he possesses qualities that effortlessly charm anyone. Like water taking the shape of its container, Sadiq bhai adapts to become approachable and beloved by all, regardless of creed or affiliation. He stands by people with utmost sincerity in their times of need. Yet, his gentleness does not make him weak; when required, he is resolute and firm—a true symbol of responsibility. His dedication to his vision and mission is truly commendable. Those who know him will testify to his character and leadership. Vote for cat-lover Sadiq bhai, ballot number 22.”
Mazharul Islam remarked on Facebook, “A sudden surge of cat love among DUCSU candidates! Not a bad strategy to attract female voters.” Another student, Md. Atikur Rahman, wrote, “The vibrant DUCSU election sees candidates leaving no stone unturned to appeal to diverse voters. The latest addition is ‘pussy-promotion,’ an innovative tactic to win over cat lovers in the final stretch.”
In a humorous vein, Nahid Hasan Sajib posted, “In light of DUCSU, I’m offering three cats for rent.”
The cat-themed campaigns have added a lighthearted dimension to the election fervor, resonating with students and amplifying candidates’ outreach as the race intensifies.
