Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan stated on Saturday that the formation of the DUCSU Election Commission hinges on the completion of the 6th and 7th phases of the official election timeline. If completed before Eid-ul-Azha, the Election Commission will be formed in time; otherwise, it will be finalized after the holiday.
He made the announcement while addressing students protesting in front of his residence, who had launched a hunger strike demanding three specific reforms, including immediate DUCSU elections.
Professor Niaz explained that three faculty members remain under consideration for the role of Election Commissioner, pending formal endorsements and Syndicate approval. Students, however, expressed frustration, accusing the administration of using delays to avoid elections and demanding the VC’s resignation if progress isn’t made.
Students also alleged internal disagreements between top university officials as the reason for the delays—claims denied by Pro-VC Dr. Mamun Ahmed, who said all five senior officials have been jointly managing the election process.
On the murder of student Shammo, the VC said the university supported the family by filing a case, which is now being handled by the Detective Branch (DB). He noted that the incident has made it difficult to find willing candidates for election oversight roles.
According to the official timeline, Phase 6 was due by mid-April and Phase 7 by early May—both of which remain incomplete. As of May 24, Phase 6 is 39 days overdue and Phase 7 is 9 days late, fueling accusations that the administration is intentionally stalling.
Students accused the university of “dangling a radish,” suggesting the administration is using bureaucratic excuses to indefinitely postpone the DUCSU elections.
