United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has announced a month-long programme comprising 15 events across the country to ensure the victory of the ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming national referendum. The initiatives aim to increase public awareness and participation in the referendum under the pro-reforms slogan, “Vote ‘Yes’, Choose a Safe Bangladesh.” The programmes were announced on Wednesday at a press conference held in front of the DUCSU building. DUCSU Vice President (VP) Shadik Kayem outlined the month-long plan at the briefing. According to the press conference, the 15 initiatives to build public support in favour of ‘Yes’ include nationwide door-to-door outreach, online campaigns, exhibition debates, seminars on state reforms, exchange meetings with civil society members and journalists, discussions with online activists, a discussion titled “Thoughts of the July Injured,” publication of songs, poems and documentaries, speech competitions, street plays and mime performances, dialogue with student and social organisations, and visits to educational institutions across the country to unite students. In his written statement, Shadik Kayem said the core spirit of the July mass uprising was the reform of the existing state structure and the establishment of a discrimination-free society. He described the referendum as a historic pathway to implementing those reforms, adding that participating in the referendum and casting a ‘Yes’ vote is a responsibility to uphold the sacred legacy of the blood of the July martyrs. Hadi shooting: DUCSU leaders march to Home Adviser’s office He said a ‘Yes’ vote would pave the way for reforms such as limiting any individual from serving as prime minister for more than two terms, ensuring transparency in public sector recruitment, enabling public participation in major constitutional changes, increasing women’s representation, safeguarding the legitimate rights of people of all religions and ideologies, and recognising internet access as a fundamental right. At the same time, it would help end the culture of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, secret detention centres, and other human rights violations. At the press conference, DUCSU called upon all anti-fascist political parties including BNP, Jamaat, and NCP, along with student organisations, professional bodies, civil society members, and the wider student community and general public to unite and create a nationwide groundswell in favour of the ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice-President Sadik Kayem on Tuesday said the Election Commission (EC) has shown a positive stance regarding the student council elections of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) and Begum Rokeya University. Shadik Kayem disclosed the change in the Commission’s position while talking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. The development comes a day after the Commission issued a directive suspending all organisational elections ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12, 2026. Speaking to reporters, Shadik Kayem said the Election Commission assured them that it would take appropriate measures to ensure the student council elections are held in due time. "The Election Commission has assured us that they will take appropriate measures,” he said. Referring to the EC’s directive issued on Monday to suspend all organisational elections until February 12, he said they had already held talks with university authorities and the government. Shadik Kayem pointed out that the SUST student council election is scheduled for January 20, while the national parliamentary election will be held on February 12. “Stopping a student council election three weeks earlier on security grounds cannot be a logical decision. Student community will not accept such an undemocratic decision,” he said. The Begum Rokeya University student council election is scheduled to be held on January 21. Earlier on Monday, the Election Commission directed authorities not to allow elections of any organisation or association, including professional bodies, before the 13th parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12 next. Protest erupts at SUST over EC's low bar, puts holds any elections ahead of national polls The directive, issued through a letter sent to returning officers, stated that the restriction would apply to elections of professional organisations, educational institutions, transport owners’ and workers’ associations, journalists’ associations, traders’ bodies, cooperative societies, trade unions and all other organisations. The Commission said the decision was taken to keep the parliamentary election and referendum process completely free from any form of influence.

The newly elected members of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) formally assumed their responsibilities on Sunday as their first meeting was held at the Vice-Chancellor’s office. The meeting discussed several issues and future action plans. Chaired by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor and DUCSU President Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, newly elected Vice-President (VP) Md Abu Shadik (Shadik Kayem), General Secretary (GS) SM Farhad, Assistant General Secretary (AGS) Mohiuddin Khan and other representatives attended the meeting. After the meeting, Shadik said, “No one lost in this election. We will work together as a team. DUCSU is not about individual victory or defeat, it is the triumph of our martyrs’ aspirations and the spirit of the July Generation.” He also said the students will hold them (those who hold posts) accountable and they will respond through action as around 40,000 students of the university can raise their concerns with them and they will prepare monthly action plans based on their feedback. Laying emphasis on inclusivity, GS SM Farhad said they want to work as representatives for all and they have agreed to highlight students’ demands and problems and will soon formulate and implement a comprehensive plan. From DUCSU to JUCSU: Shibir’s winning streak rolls on He also said that the meeting discussed sending five elected representatives to the university senate, with the decision to be announced in a gazette. The appointment of DUCSU’s treasurer will also be finalized, he informed. At the session, DUCSU members pledged to draft constructive policies, create both short-and long-term plans, and ensure participatory representation. The VC welcomed the elected leaders with flowers before the VP, treasurer and president delivered remarks. DU VC grateful for successful holding of DUCSU polls In the September 9 elections, candidates backed by Islami Chhatra Shibir won 23 out of 28 posts, while independents secured four and a left panel candidate won one.