Dhaka, Sep 03 (V7N) – The Appellate Division has ruled that there is no obstacle for SM Farhad, the General Secretary (GS) candidate nominated by Chhatra Shibir, to participate in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections. The court also confirmed that voting will be held on September 9 as per the previously announced schedule, staying the High Court’s order that had postponed the elections.

The decision was made on Wednesday by a seven-member full appellate bench headed by Chief Justice Syed Refat Ahmed after hearing the appeal.

Dhaka University authorities’ lawyer Shishir Monir clarified that it is incorrect to claim a candidate’s nomination is canceled merely because they were previously in the Chhatra League. He said that cancellations, such as that of another candidate, Caesar, were based on specific allegations.

For this year’s elections, around 10 panels, including full and partial ones, have been nominated by Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, Democratic Chhatra Sangsad, and leftist student organizations. A total of 471 candidates are contesting 28 central DUCSU posts, while 1,035 candidates are competing for 13 hall parliament positions across 18 halls.

It is noteworthy that on August 4, BM Fahmida Alam, Secretary of Liberation War and Mass Movement Affairs of the ‘Invincible 71, Indomitable 24’ panel, had filed a writ challenging SM Farhad’s candidacy, citing his previous affiliation with the Chhatra League committee. The petition questioned how Farhad could stand as a candidate for the Islami Chhatra Shibir panel.

Three leftist organizations are contesting the election through the Aparajeyo 71–Indomitable 24 panel, which includes members of the Bangladesh Chhatra Union, Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, and Bangladesh Chhatra League-BCL (student organization of Bangladesh JSD).

Chhatra Shibir candidates Sadiq Kayem and SM Farhad are contesting the positions of Vice President (VP) and General Secretary (GS) respectively. The DUCSU elections are scheduled to take place on September 9.

END/SMA/AJ