The vice president (VP) candidate of the BNP-backed student panel, Md. Abidul Islam, rejected the results of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections. Shortly after the results were announced, at around 2:20 am on Tuesday night, he wrote on Facebook: “I had already anticipated this prearranged outcome earlier in the afternoon. Just adjust the numbers however you like. I refuse to accept this staged drama.”

Voting for the DUCSU elections took place from 8 am to 4 pm on Tuesday. While the day’s polling was described as festive and peaceful, tensions escalated in the evening. By around 1:30 am, results began to be declared from different centers. Initial counts showed candidates from the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed alliance, “United Students’ Front,” taking the lead in several major posts, including VP, General Secretary (GS), and Assistant GS.

Around the same time, the GS candidate from the BNP-backed panel, Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim, also posted on Facebook. He wrote: “If the students of Dhaka University believe this is truly their verdict, I respect that. I await their reactions. However, despite the celebratory mood throughout the day, several irregularities were observed in certain centers. Particularly during the counting process, machine errors, fraud, and manipulation became evident.”

He further added: “Dear students of Dhaka University, I have always been indebted to your love and support. I have stood with you, remain with you, and will continue to stand beside you.”

Meanwhile, independent panel VP candidate Umama Fatema posted on Facebook around 2:30 am, writing simply: “The circus goes on. Who’s watching?”