As students at Dhaka University cast their votes in the long-awaited Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election, law adviser and prominent academic Dr Asif Nazrul has described the event as a significant stride toward democratic revival in Bangladesh.

In a Facebook post published on the eve of the election, Nazrul wrote: “Tomorrow is the DUCSU election. For the first time in nearly two decades, the youth of this country will have the opportunity to freely exercise their voting rights. I hope every student at Dhaka University will seize this moment and participate in large numbers. Whoever wins, let others welcome them in the spirit of democratic grace.”

He further remarked, “This election marks a giant leap toward democracy. I sincerely pray for its success. May Allah guide us.”

The DUCSU election, being held on Tuesday (Sept 9), is taking place after more than 18 years. According to the official schedule, voting will continue from 8:00am to 4pm at eight polling centres across the university campus.

Each student is entitled to cast a total of 41 votes—28 for central union positions and 13 for hall union posts. The total number of registered voters stands at 39,874, comprising 20,915 male and 18,959 female students.

A total of 471 candidates are contesting for 28 central positions, including 409 male and 62 female contenders.

The election is widely regarded as a landmark moment in student politics and a critical test of democratic practices within one of Bangladesh’s premier academic institutions.

SMS