Aspirants from different students’ organisations are allegedly conducting their electioneering for the Dhaka University central Students’ Union (DUCSU) poll violating the code of conduct.
Rival candidates alleged that Chhatra Union leaders and activists violated the section 3(A) of DUCSU electoral code of conduct-2019 by using a band party in their election campaign, reports BSS.
As per section 3(A) any competent contender or others on behalf of the candidate cannot bring out a rally, showdown or procession using vehicle, motorcycle, rickshaw, elephant or band party while conducting electioneering.
Chairman of Bangladesh Chhatra League’s (BCL) DUCSU election conducting committee Sonjit Chandra Das said that DUCSU Vice-President (VP) candidate from Chhatra Union, general secretary Liton Nandi violated the rule by hiring musical instrument players.
“We have filed a written complaint to the Chief Election Commissioner of DUCSU, SM Mahfuzur Rahman at 4pm today against Liton as he violated the section 3(A),” the state news agency quoted Sonjit.
Talking about the issue, DUCSU VP candidate from Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) panel Mostafizur Rahman said, “DU administration has every right to take necessary steps if any candidate violates any section of the DUCSU code of conduct.”
Quoted witnesses, the BSS report said a colourful procession accompanied by the playing of musical instruments was brought out on the campus led by Nandi.
Nandi denied the allegations saying, “It is not any kind of band party. It was mainly our musical procession. One of our activists used drums as part of the procession.”
“Those who floated the allegations, usually violate rules. Chhatra League leaders violated the codes by using coloured posters of their VP candidate,” he claimed.
BCL DU unit president Sonjit, however, said claimed outsiders and over-enthusiastic activists were did behind the coloured posters to malign their organsiation.
JCD and Quota reform movement activists under the banner of ‘Bangladesh Shadharan Chhatra Odhikar Sangrakkhan Parishad’ have allegedly violated the code by involving outsiders in their campaign, says the BSS report.
Proctor Prof AKM Golam Rabbani said that the code of conduct is applicable for all and DU authority is holding the election based on the DUCSU constitution and the electoral code.
“No aspirant should put his candidature at risk violating the DUCSU code of conduct,” he told the state news agency.
On the third day of campaigning on Tuesday, candidates from BCL, the platform that spearheaded the quota reform movement; Pro-BNP JCD); leftist bodies as well as independent candidates were seen campaigning at different places of the campus. They are trying to woo general students with their electoral pledges.