DUCSU pollsDU VC urges student to vote without fear

Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan has called upon the students to come to their respective polling centres to cast votes fearlessly during the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election scheduled for Tuesday.

The DU VC made the call in a virtual message around 4pm on Monday, which is available on the official Facebook page of the university.

“You (students) have demanded the DUCSU election and deeply expected it as it is consistent with the fundamental values of the July Uprising,” he said in the message.

“We have arranged the election to ensure the institutional shape of the democratic aspiration and to create a unified voice against injustice. You must come to cast your votes. We will be waiting for you,” he said.

“The entire nation is staring at us and wishing you well,” he said, adding that his university has been fighting for a long time to ensure a smooth democratic transition and to institutionalise democracy in the country.

About the safety and security of the female voters, the VC said a special arrangement has been ensured so that they can exercise their franchise without fear.

“The countrymen have kept their faith in you (students). I hope you will repay that trust by taking part in the election process.”

The university authorities have reached the final stage after nearly 11 months of their extensive preparations, and tomorrow (Tuesday) is the auspicious day, he said.

Claiming that this year’s DUCSU election is historical and very important for many reasons, he said, “We did a lot this year, which has never happened in the history of Dhaka University.”

Urging the candidates to adopt the mentality to accept the election results, whatever it is, he said, “We have overcome many challenges and at last reached a situation, holding each other’s hands. Now, I believe, we will be able to overcome the next challenges smoothly.”