Dhaka, Sept 7 (V7N) – Candidates contesting the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and Hall Union elections are passing busy days, making personal appeals and pledges to voters. After five years, the long-anticipated elections are scheduled to be held on September 9.

Students crowd Dhaka University campus as candidates make last-minute appeals to voters on the final day of campaigning for the DUCSU and Hall Union elections set for September 9. Photo: V7N

This year’s campaigning has taken on a distinctive character, with candidates adopting different methods to reach voters. Sunday, September 7, marks the final day of campaigning, and from early morning, candidates were seen distributing leaflets at key campus points including the VC Chattar, Mall Chattar, and the Arts Building. Contestants backed by Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, and the Democratic Students’ Union continued active campaigning on the last day.

Students crowd Dhaka University campus as candidates make last-minute appeals to voters on the final day of campaigning for the DUCSU and Hall Union elections set for September 9. Photo: V7N

Responding to candidates’ requests, the Election Commission has increased the number of polling booths from 700 to 810 across the university.

Meanwhile, the Dhaka University administration has announced that all entry points to the campus will remain closed to the public for 34 hours during the election period. According to an official notification, the restrictions will remain in force from 8:00 pm on September 8 until 6:00 am on September 10.

The entry gates to be closed include Shahbagh, Palashi, Doel Chattar, Shib Bari Crossing, Fuller Road, Udayan School, and Nilkhet. Only students, teachers, officers, and staff with valid university identification will be allowed entry during this time. Family members of teachers, officers, and staff residing on campus but not directly affiliated with the university will require security passes issued by the Proctor’s Office for emergency movements.

Students crowd Dhaka University campus as candidates make last-minute appeals to voters on the final day of campaigning for the DUCSU and Hall Union elections set for September 9. Photo: V7N

Vehicles without valid university stickers will also be barred, with exceptions made for emergency services such as ambulances, doctors, patients, law enforcement, journalists, and fire service vehicles. Members of the university community have been urged to carry their ID cards at all times during the restricted hours.

The upcoming elections are drawing heightened attention due to the political changes in the country. A total of 39,775 students are registered as voters. The scale of participation has increased significantly, with 471 candidates competing for 28 central union posts and 1,035 candidates contesting across the hall unions. Teachers, students, and election officials have noted a vibrant atmosphere on campus as preparations reach their final stage.

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