Staff Reporter:
Bagchas (Students Against Discrimination) panel’s Vice President (VP) candidate Abdul Kader has ex-pressed frustration alleging irregularities and vote rigging in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Un-ion (Ducsu) election.
Speaking to reporters at TSC yesterday afternoon, Kader alleged that both the Election Commission (EC) and the university authorities have played the role of ‘silent spectators’ during the voting.
“Despite conspiracies, students have come spontaneously to cast their votes. But they are being mocked. The Election Commission has always worked in favor of one group,” he said.
Kader claimed that rival candidates attempted to directly influence voters inside polling centers.
He alleged that BNP-backed candidate Abid entered a center and sought votes.
“Although I lodged a complaint with the EC, no action was taken,” he added.
“We saw candidates laughing and campaigning inside centers. What kind of election is this? I even called Rabbani Sir and told him about the situation. He said, ‘I am here, I am coming,’ but no steps were tak-en,” Kader said.
The Bagchas-supported candidate also alleged manipulation through the MPhil admission process. “It is now clear why there was so much interest in MPhil admissions. This process is being used for election rigging,” he said.
Kader further accused the EC of coordinating with vested groups. “We now understand why JCD pres-sured to remove the age limit. The people included in the bigger list are the ones controlling votes yes-terday,” he claimed.
He alleged that although the EC earlier promised to enforce the code of conduct, it failed to ensure com-pliance on polling day.
“We informed them several times about violations but they only gave assurances. It is now clear whose agenda they are serving,” Kader said.
He warned that such situations could lead to mass protests again. “We don’t want Ducsu to face another uprising. We will discuss and announce our next course of action,” he added.
Bagchas panel’s General Secretary (GS) candidate Abu Baker Majumder alleged that ballots were found pre-marked at Ekushey Hall.
“When questioned, officials refused to say in whose favor they were marked. One polling officer was involved in the incident. We also heard similar reports from the ULAB center,” he said.
“We wanted a fair election and still do. We hope students will choose competent leadership and resist those trying to cling to power by manipulating ballots,” Baker added.
He further alleged that vote manipulation was happening at almost every center. “Three to four hundred votes are being rigged at each center. Students will surely identify those who are stealing power and take action against them. If necessary, there will be another uprising at DU, just as fascist Hasina once stole power,” Baker warned.
