DUCSU candidates blame each other for electoral code violations

Aspirants from different students’ organisations are allegedly conducting their electioneering for the Dhaka University central Students’ Union (DUCSU) poll violating the code of conduct, reports news agency BSS.

Rival candidates alleged that Chhatra Union leaders and activists violated the section 3(A) of DUCSU electoral code of conduct-2019 by using a band party in their election campaign.

As per section 3(A) any competent contender or others on behalf of the candidate cannot bring out a rally, showdown or procession using vehicle, motorcycle, rickshaw, elephant or band party while conducting electioneering.

Chairman of Bangladesh Chhatra League’s (BCL) DUCSU election conducting committee Sonjit Chandra Das said that DUCSU vice-president (VP) candidate from Chhatra Union, general secretary Liton Nandi violated the rule by using a band party.

“We have filed a written complaint to the chief election commissioner of DUCSU, SM Mahfuzur Rahman at 4:00pm today [Tuesday] against Liton as he violated the section 3(A),” Sonjit told BSS.

Talking about the issue, DUCSU VP candidate from Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) panel Mostafizur Rahman said, “DU administration has every right to take necessary steps if any candidate violates any section of the DUCSU code of conduct.”

Sources said a colourful procession accompanied by the playing of musical instruments was brought out on the campus led by Liton Nandi.

Rejecting the allegation, Liton said, “It is not any kind of band party. It was mainly our musical procession. One of our activists used drums as part of the colourful procession.”

“Those who raised allegation against us, usually violate rules. Chhatra League leaders violated the codes by plastering colourful posters of their VP candidate Shovon inside and outside the halls,” Liton alleged.

Regarding the allegation, BCL DU unit president Sonjit said that some outsiders and over-enthusiastic people did the misdeeds to make BCL controversial.

JCD and Quota reform movement activists under the banner of ‘Bangladesh Shadharan Chhatra Odhikar Sangrakkhan Parishad’ allegedly violated the section 4(C) of DUCSU electoral code of conduct-2019 as non-students join in their election campaign.

The section 4(C) said, “None but the aspirants/voters of DUCSU and hall union polls can join in campaign on the campus area.”

When contacted, DU proctor professor AKM Golam Rabbani said that the code of conduct is applicable for all and DU authority is holding the election based on the DUCSU constitution and the electoral code.

“No aspirant should put his candidature at risk violating the DUCSU code of conduct,” professor Rabbani told BSS.

On the third day of electioneering on Tuesday, candidates from the BCL, the student wing of ruling Bangladesh Awami League; Pro-BNP JCD; leftist bodies as well as independent candidates were seen campaigning at different places of the campus.

They are trying to woo general students with their electoral pledges. All are promising to ensure a better campus free from all forms of conflict.