DUCSU, hall union elections conclude, vote counting underway

The elections to Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) and hall unions were held peacefully on Tuesday amid a festive atmosphere. 

Voting took place without interruption from 8 am to 4 pm.

This marks the 38th DUCSU election, coinciding with the union's centenary year, and was held after a six-year break. 

For the first time, polling was arranged outside residential halls at academic buildings. The registered students cast their votes at 810 booths in eight designated centers across the campus.

Students voted at Curzon Hall, TSC, Dhaka University Club, Senate Bhaban, Udayan School and College, Department of Geology, Physical Education Centre, and University Laboratory School and College. 

A total of 471 candidates contested for 28 DUCSU posts, while 1,035 competed for 234 hall union positions. The number of voters was about 39 thousands.

The main contest was among panels backed by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Islami Chhatra Shibir, Ganatantrik Chhatrasangshad-supported alliance, a leftist coalition, and several independents.

Strict security measures were enforced on campus, with live vote counting displayed on LED screens outside polling centers.

During the whole vote casting period, no unprecedented incidents were reported.

Chief Returning Officer Professor Mohammad Jasim Uddin said the elections were held peacefully in a festive spirit and could serve as a model for the country. Results are expected to be announced tonight.