Dhaka, June 17 (V7N) - The University of Dhaka has formally constituted a 10-member Election Commission to conduct the long-awaited elections to the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and affiliated hall unions. The decision marks a significant administrative move toward reviving student representative bodies on campus, which have historically played pivotal roles in Bangladesh's democratic evolution.

As part of the preparations for the upcoming elections, the university has introduced amendments to the DUCSU constitution, incorporating four new editorial positions aimed at modernizing the scope and functions of the student union.

Four New Positions Reflect Contemporary Student Needs

In a notable update to the DUCSU charter, the following four new secretary-level positions have been added:

  1. Secretary for Research and Publications

  2. Secretary for Career Development

  3. Secretary for Health and Environment

  4. Secretary for Human Rights and Legal Affairs

These newly established positions are designed to better align DUCSU's activities with the evolving academic, professional, and civic needs of students. The elected secretaries will be responsible for organizing workshops, academic seminars, research publications, job fairs, health awareness campaigns, and human rights advocacy programs.

University officials stated that the reforms are intended to make DUCSU more inclusive and responsive to real-world challenges faced by students.

Reviving the Spirit of Democratic Movements

In addition to structural changes, the revised DUCSU bylaws now formally enshrine the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War and the historic mass uprising of July 1969. These references aim to reaffirm DUCSU’s historical role as a cradle of democratic activism in Bangladesh. University administrators emphasize that this symbolic inclusion is meant to inspire a renewed sense of civic engagement and political consciousness among students.

DUCSU, last operational in 1990 before being revived briefly in 2019, has long been viewed as a breeding ground for future political and social leaders in the country. The newly formed commission is expected to finalize the election roadmap in the coming weeks.

Looking Ahead

Stakeholders across academic and student communities have welcomed the move, seeing it as a positive step toward institutionalizing student representation and ensuring a platform for constructive dialogue and leadership development.

Election dates are yet to be announced, but preparations are underway to ensure a free, fair, and participatory electoral process under the guidance of the newly formed commission.

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