DUCSU election fever grips Dhaka University (DU) as ten student panels battle for control of the prestigious student union. Over 500 candidates have submitted nomination papers for 28 posts, setting the stage for the most competitive election in years.

The nomination period concluded Wednesday with 509 papers submitted from 658 distributed forms. Chief Returning Officer Professor Jasim Uddin confirmed that 149 forms remained unsubmitted during a press conference at the Senate building.

The election schedule shows preliminary candidate list publication on Thursday, followed by final verification. Withdrawal deadline stands at 1:00 PM on 25 August, with final lists released 26 August at 4:00 PM. Voting takes place 9 September.

Chhatra Dal leads the charge with Md. Abidul Islam Khan contesting Vice President alongside General Secretary Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim. Their strategic move includes leaving the Research & Publication Secretary vacant to support injured student activist Sanjida Ahmed Tanvir from July’s mass uprising.

Islami Chhatra Shibir backs the ‘United Student Alliance’ featuring Abu Sadiq Kayem for VP and S M Farhad for GS. This marks significant political positioning as traditional rivals compete head-to-head.

The ‘Resistance Council’ presents Sheikh Tasnim Afroze (Imi) for VP with Meghmollar Bosu as GS candidate. Their panel emphasises student rights and democratic governance, appealing to reform-minded voters.

‘Anti-Discrimination Student Union’ nominates Abdul Kader and Abu Baker Majumdar for top posts, riding the wave of recent protest movements. Their platform centres on eliminating campus discrimination and promoting inclusivity.

Fresh faces emerge through ‘Coordinated Student Union’, led by Jamaluddin Muhammad Khalid and Mahin Sarkar, whilst ‘Independent Student Unity’ fields Umama Fatema as VP candidate alongside Al Sadi Bhuiya for GS.

Smaller panels include Islami Chhatra Andolan with Yasin Arafat leading, Chhatra Adhikar Parishad’s ‘DUCSU for Change’ featuring Bina Yamin Molla, and the leftist coalition ‘Unconquerable 71–Indomitable 24′ with Naeem Hasan Hriday.

Former Anti-Discrimination Student Movement coordinators AB Zubayer and Mosaddek Ali Ibne Muhammad announced a partial panel, though VP and GS positions remain unfinalised.

Independent candidates add another layer of complexity. Notable contenders include Julius Caesar Talukdar, former SM Hall Students’ Union GS; Revolutionary Chhatra Parishad’s Abdul Wahed, and Tahmina Akter from World Insaniyat Revolution Student Front.

Political observers note this election’s unprecedented diversity, with traditional powerhouses facing challenges from grassroots movements and independent voices. The inclusion of female candidates across multiple panels signals changing campus dynamics.

Student engagement appears remarkably high, with a 77% nomination submission rate demonstrating serious political commitment. Various panels represent ideological spectrums from conservative religious groups to progressive leftist coalitions.

The September poll promises to reshape DU’s political landscape, particularly following last year’s student protests that highlighted governance issues. Campaign strategies now focus on digital outreach alongside traditional campus mobilisation.

Election Commission officials emphasise transparent procedures, with multiple verification stages ensuring candidate eligibility. Security arrangements for polling day remain under review given recent campus tensions.