Candidates for the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall council elections continued their campaigning for the third consecutive day on Thursday. They reached out to general students by distributing leaflets, exchanging greetings, and outlining their pledges if elected.

At the same time, some candidates accused the administration of showing bias. The panel backed by the student wing of the BNP (Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal) unveiled a 10-point manifesto.

Earlier on Wednesday, the university authorities, following directives from the Election Commission, removed banners and festoons from various parts of the campus. Where candidates had not removed their materials voluntarily, members of the proctorial team took them down.

According to section 7(a) of the DUCSU election code of conduct, candidates are only allowed to print and distribute black-and-white posters, handbills, or leaflets. Banners or festoons made of PVC, cloth, or other materials are prohibited.

In the first two days of campaigning, banners and festoons had been put up by candidates from different groups, including Chhatra Dal, Islami Chhatra Shibir, Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad, leftist alliances, and independent contestants. Prominent spots such as TSC walls and the Curzon Hall area were covered with campaign materials.

Some candidates later said they were struggling without banners or festoons, as leaflets alone made it harder to reach students. Those who were already well-known on campus seemed to have an advantage.

Anti-Discrimination Student Council

Members of the Anti-Discrimination Student Council’s panel were seen campaigning on campus in the afternoon. VP candidate Abdul Kader and GS candidate Abu Bakar Majumder distributed leaflets among students. Majumder later told reporters that while the Election Commission has issued many regulations since the election schedule was announced, in reality, many candidates are not following them—and the university administration is also not taking sufficient action.

Independent Student Unity, led by former student activist Umama Fatema, also joined the campaign. Leaflets were distributed by the alliance supported by Chhatra Shibir as well, along with other panels and independent hopefuls.

Shibir Panel’s Press Briefing

The Shibir-backed alliance, “United Student Coalition,” alleged that the university administration had not consulted candidates before deciding to deploy the army at all campus entrances on election day as part of a “striking force.” This allegation was raised by GS candidate SM Farhad, president of the university branch of Chhatra Shibir, at a press conference held near the Arts Building on Thursday evening.

Voting Arrangements

According to the Election Commission, voting for DUCSU will take place at eight polling centers. Each voter will be allowed up to eight minutes to cast their ballot. Chief Returning Officer Professor Md Jasim Uddin announced this at a press briefing in front of his office at the Nawab Nawab Ali Senate Building. He said votes will be counted by scanning machines, which are capable of delivering results quickly.

DUCSU Returning Officer Professor Golam Rabbani added that the administration is committed to keeping the election environment fair and transparent. He said complaints are being addressed as they arise. For example, one candidate had launched their manifesto with loud music; since their explanation was unsatisfactory, they were served a formal notice and warned that further violations of the code of conduct would lead to stricter action.