A group of Dhaka University students on Friday demanded a roadmap on the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union election within 72 hours.
They submitted a memorandum issuing the ultimatum to the vice-chancellor, Niaz Ahmed Khan.
On behalf of the vice-chancellor, the memorandum was received by the university’s proctor, Saifuddin Ahmed.
In the memorandum, the students stated, ‘We believe that it is possible to establish a model for political reform in this new Bangladesh by ensuring democratic practices in the university.’
However, it is unfortunate that even five months after the mass uprising, the administration has not taken any visible steps regarding the DUCSU election, they said.
Referring to the current situation of DUCSU election in the memorandum, the students mentioned that although a commission had recently been formed to reactivate DUCSU, they had not seen any effective steps to implement its recommendations.
Demanding immediate actions, the memorandum stated, ‘We call for the announcement of a roadmap on the DUCSU election within the next 72 hours. This roadmap must specify the timeframe for necessary reforms.’
‘If the roadmap is not announced within the stipulated time, we will be compelled to adopt stricter measures. The administration will bear full responsibility for any ensuing situation,’ they warned.
Earlier, at about 12:30am on Friday, a group of Dhaka University students gathering in front of the vice chancellor’s residence demanded the announcement of a roadmap on the DUCSU election within 72 hours. Former coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement were also present there.
Dhaka University vice-chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan has expressed enthusiasm about the holding of DUCSU election.
He stated that they wish to foster consensus among all stakeholders regarding the election, aiming for an agreement or understanding.
At about 10:45am on Friday, the vice-chancellor made these remarks while responding to a reporter’s question during his visit to the admission test centre of the Institute of Business Administration for the BBA programme for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Niaz Ahmed said that they wanted to hold this election in a festive environment involving everyone.
A free atmosphere has emerged on the campus after a long time, he said.
‘We aim to utilise this environment to organise the election as soon as possible. In these efforts, we seek everyone’s cooperation,’ he said.
DU members of the University Teachers’ Network on Thursday afternoon held a meeting with Niaz Ahmed to discuss the recent issues on campus.
In the meeting, the UTN representatives raised three-point demands, including the announcement of dates for DUCSU and teachers’ association elections, removing the restrictions on vehicle movement on the campus and discussing with stakeholders before taking any decisions, said a press release issued by the UTN on Friday.
