Student organisations at Dhaka University have begun preparations for the long-awaited Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections, following the formation of the election commission on 16 June.

Several groups, including Chhatra Shibir and Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad, have reportedly finalised parts of their central panels. However, BNP’s student front, Chhatra Dal, is yet to confirm whether it will contest the election. Meanwhile, several smaller organisations are working towards forming a joint panel, while some independent activists are also planning to contest under a separate ‘independent’ banner.

Despite the formation of the commission, the DU administration has yet to release the full amended version of the Daksu constitution. While some reforms have been introduced — such as changes in code of conduct and structural matters — many student groups have raised concerns over the lack of clarity regarding the balance of power within the proposed framework.

Commission to hold first meeting today

The newly formed commission is scheduled to hold its first official meeting today (22 June). The agenda will include setting the groundwork for the election roadmap and determining key dates ahead of the official schedule announcement.

Chhatra Dal yet to reach a decision

Chhatra Dal remains undecided on its participation in the election. No official instruction has been issued from the organisation’s central leadership, and no internal discussions have been initiated either. As a result, grassroots members are reportedly growing increasingly anxious and are urging the leadership to clarify its stance.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Chhatra Dal leader from a DU residential hall said, “We don’t even know whether the party supports or opposes the election, or what level of preparation we’re supposed to undertake. This lack of direction is frustrating many of our activists on the ground.”

Nahiduzzaman Shipon, general secretary of the Dhaka University unit of Chhatra Dal, has said that meaningful reform at the university must begin with the resignation of top officials, including the vice-chancellor and proctor, who he claims have failed to ensure student safety.

Calling the current administration “ineffective and negligent,” he argued that their resignation should be a precondition for any credible institutional reform.

When asked about Chhatra Dal’s possible stance if the election schedule is announced under the current administration, Shipon said the organisation would make a decision based on consultations with its members.

Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad finalises central panel

Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad — formed in the aftermath of the July student movement — has nearly finalised its central panel and action plan. Abdul Kader, the DU convener of the organisation, is expected to contest for the position of vice president, while central member secretary Md Abu Baker Mojumder is likely to run for general secretary.

The group is currently in talks to bring smaller student organisations, issue-based platforms, and independent online activists into its panel, according to several top leaders.

“We are working on an inclusive panel that ensures representation from Indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, religious minorities, and at least six to seven female students,” said Abdul Kader.

Leftist groups move to form broader alliance

The Democratic Student Alliance, a coalition of seven left-leaning student bodies, is planning to jointly contest the election. The alliance is also looking to bring together other progressive groups including the Socialist Students’ Front, a faction of Bangladesh Students’ Union, the Students’ Federation, and the Pahari Chhatra Parishad.

They intend to begin formal discussions with these groups soon, and also aim to engage with several student clubs based at the university’s Teacher-Student Centre (TSC), leaders confirmed.

Top leaders of the Democratic Student Alliance say that while Revolutionary Student Unity (Biplobi Chhatro Moitri) and the Socialist Students’ Front (Marxist) have quietly begun preparing for the Daksu polls, other left-leaning groups that were previously disengaged—such as the Bangladesh Students’ Union—are now showing renewed interest.

“Some reforms have been made to the DUCSU charter, but key concerns — especially regarding the power structure — remain unresolved,” said Jabir Ahmed Jubel, general secretary of Biplobi Chhatro Moitri. “Many of our demands have been ignored. We call for an immediate resolution of these issues and announcement of the election schedule.”

Shibir finalises central panel, to stay out of hall elections

Islami Chhatra Shibir has almost finalised its central panel but will only reveal it after the election schedule is officially announced. Strategically, the organisation has opted not to field any panel in the residential halls.

Instead, its supporters and activists will join forces with independent candidates in hall-level contests, according to leaders.

“We do not currently have committees in the halls, so we aren’t planning to submit panels there,” said Mahiuddin Khan, general secretary of the DU unit of Shibir. “However, those active in the halls will still participate in the election.”

Independent coalition, neutral panel in the works

Smaller student organisations are moving away from fielding separate panels and are instead aiming to form a united front. Simultaneously, a group of independent activists is working to create a non-partisan panel.

Jamaluddin Khalid, convener of the Swadhin Bangladesh Chhatra Sangsad, said, “We’re trying to form a panel under the theme of ‘Unity in Diversity’, including students from right, left, and liberal ideologies.”

Umama Fatema, spokesperson of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and former member secretary of the Students’ Federation, added, “We are trying to build a strong platform within DUCSU to give general students a real opportunity to contribute.”

Election commission to hold first meeting Sunday

The 10-member Daksu Election Commission, formed on June 17, will hold its first official meeting today (22 June).

Chief Returning Officer Professor Mohammad Jasim Uddin of the Botany Department told The Business Standard, “The meeting will decide our preparatory steps ahead of the official schedule. Our aim is to conduct a fair and inclusive election.”