Salahuddin Ahmed congratulates Ducsu winners, urges for democratic culture

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has congratulated the winners of the recently held Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) election. Speaking at an event in Dhaka on Wednesday, he said, “I personally extend my congratulations to those who have won in the Ducsu polls. This is the true spirit of democracy.”

Acknowledging that there were some irregularities in the election, he explained that such issues were expected since the polls were being held after many years.

The BNP leader made these remarks while addressing a discussion organized to mark the 47th founding anniversary of the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) auditorium in Kakrail.

Referring to media reports that a panel backed by Islami Chhatra Shibir had won in the Ducsu polls, Salahuddin clarified that, to his knowledge, Shibir had not formally participated in the election and questioned whether any official panel was nominated under their name.

On the broader impact of Ducsu results on national politics, he said that many past Ducsu leaders went on to play significant roles in mainstream politics, with some even becoming members of parliament. “I wish the new generation of leaders a bright future,” he added.

He emphasized the need to continue the struggle for a healthier political culture, warning against authoritarianism and one-party dominance. According to him, true democracy requires competition and rivalry, but also mutual respect at the end of the day.

Highlighting the role of universities as breeding grounds for national leadership, Salahuddin defended the continuation of student politics, rejecting calls to abolish it.

Finally, he urged the BNP’s women’s wing to strengthen its organization and prepare for upcoming elections. He also mentioned that if BNP comes to power, it will ensure greater representation of women candidates in parliament and leadership positions.

The event was presided over by Mohila Dal president Afroza Abbas and conducted by general secretary Sultana Ahmed. Several BNP leaders, including Standing Committee member AZM Zahid Hossain, also spoke at the gathering attended by women leaders from across Dhaka and other districts.