Dhaka University Student Leaders Continue As New Election Looms
The regular term of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) committee has ended. Its elected leaders will remain in office for up to three more months. This is because the university administration has not yet announced a schedule for a new election.
The current committee’s one-year term finished on Monday, September 14. The DUCSU constitution allows elected officials to stay for an extra 90 days. This period lasts until a new election is held, or the 90 days are over, whichever comes first. During this time, the leaders can only do routine work. They cannot make any big decisions or set new policies.
Dhaka University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane said the leaders have no power to make decisions. They can only handle daily official duties. They can also finish important tasks that were already started and signed.
DUCSU General Secretary (GS) SM Farhad spoke to reporters. He confirmed that the committee’s regular term ended on September 14. Mr. Farhad said the current leaders do not want to stay longer. They have asked the administration to announce the election date very soon.
Mr. Farhad stated that the administration has not given a clear date for the new DUCSU election. He said they only gave the same unclear answer: “We are trying. We will let you know.”
Professor Alfasane said the university administration firmly wants to hold the election. He mentioned that a meeting took place with top university officials and hall provosts. The provosts were asked to talk with student groups in their halls. They will then submit their ideas.
The administration will also meet with different student organizations at Dhaka University. Professor Alfasane said the university wants more student groups to take part in the election. He added that the administration will announce the election schedule. This will happen when all student groups agree and jointly ask for the schedule.
