DUCSU Elections: Candidates Turn to Currency-Style Leaflets to Stand Out

Campaigning for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall union polls has reached full pace, with candidates racing against time to make themselves known to thousands of student voters. With posters and leaflets being the only approved campaign tools, some contenders have adopted highly unconventional strategies — designing flyers that mimic banknotes.

Notes That Aren’t Notes

One such candidate is marketing student Mohammad Arafat Hossain, contesting as a member candidate with ballot number 170. To grab attention, he printed leaflets designed like Tk 1,000 notes.

Instead of “Bangladesh Bank,” the flyers say “DUCSU Vote Bank.” Where real currency promises to pay the bearer, Arafat’s leaflet reads: “On demand, this candidate will be obliged by casting a vote at ballot 170.” His name, ballot number, and designation replace the governor’s signature line.

On the reverse side, Curzon Hall appears in place of the parliament building, while a QR code links directly to his manifesto. The number “170” is printed in all four corners, imitating a denomination.

Explaining the design, Arafat said:

“There are 217 member candidates this time. Students can’t possibly remember everyone’s names and numbers. I had to do something striking. Since people are drawn to money, I modeled my leaflet on banknotes. The response has been huge — students are asking for copies, even reaching out on social media.”

Arafat also describes himself as an entrepreneur. Through his platform Sorolikaron, he says he provides services such as delivering transcripts, hospital reports, and books for students unable to manage such tasks themselves.

A Dollar for Ballot No. 1

In Sir AF Rahman Hall, independent vice-presidential candidate Naimur Rahman chose another creative approach — campaign flyers styled on the U.S. one-dollar bill, matching his ballot number “1.”

His leaflet retains the monochrome dollar format, with “Federal Reserve Note” at the top and the words “Upcoming DUCSU and Hall Union Election 2025” at the center. His name, department, session, and QR code linking to his Facebook profile are also included.

Naimur explained:

“Ordinary leaflets don’t get attention. At first, I thought of using the Bangladeshi note, but the code bans coloured flyers. A dollar note in black and white works better and fits perfectly with my ballot number. The feedback has been tremendous.”

Election Authorities’ View

Asked about the legality of such tactics, Professor Golam Rabbani, head of the election code of conduct taskforce, said:

“The rules are clear. Within those boundaries, this style of campaigning is not a violation.”

The Election Ahead

Voting for DUCSU and hall unions is scheduled for 9 September. This year, 471 candidates — including 62 women — are running for 28 DUCSU positions. The member seats are the most crowded, with 217 contenders. In the 18 residential halls, 1,035 candidates are contesting 13 leadership posts.