Campaign Promises Take Center Stage as DUCSU Polls Near

Candidates in the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election are visiting residential halls to share their manifestos and pledge solutions to student concerns. Independent contenders are also actively campaigning alongside party-backed panels.

With election day drawing closer, many candidates acknowledge that women students—who make up nearly half the electorate—will play a decisive role in the outcome. Manifestos across all panels highlight issues such as safe housing for female students, campus safety, and protection from cyberbullying.

This year, DUCSU has 39,874 registered voters, including 18,959 women.

On Saturday, the Dhaka University Debating Society hosted a debate at the Teachers-Students Centre (TSC), where vice president (VP) candidates from various panels presented their promises and answered questions from students. Among them were Abidul Islam Khan, representing the student wing of a major political party, and independent candidate Umama Fatema.

Fatema, campaigning earlier in the day at Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, said encouraging women students to vote would be one of the biggest challenges. “Nearly 48 percent of the electorate are female, and their votes will decide DUCSU’s direction,” she told reporters.

Other VP candidates also focused on housing shortages and welfare. At Bijoy Ekattor Hall, Abdul Kader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Alliance pledged a “one bed, one student” policy. Abu Sadiq Kayem, from the Islami Chhatra Shibir-supported panel, said his group would work to ensure adequate housing, healthcare, and food security for students.

Meanwhile, campaigners have raised concerns over online harassment. Tanvir Al Hadi, an assistant general secretary candidate from the student wing of a major opposition party, filed a formal complaint against several Facebook groups, alleging smear campaigns and cyber harassment. He warned that such activity could disrupt the democratic environment on campus.

The chief returning officer, Professor Mohammad Jasim Uddin, assured that preparations for the election were on track. Ballot papers, polling booths, and CCTV installations are being finalized, he said, adding that authorities are working to ensure free, fair, and transparent polls. On cyberbullying, he confirmed that the complaints are being actively addressed.

The DUCSU and hall union elections are set for Tuesday, September 9, with campaigns wrapping up the day before.