DU imposes restrictions on journalists in DUCSU election
The Dhaka University authorities on Friday imposed prohibition on live telecast from the polling booths and restricted any kind of electronic devices including mobile phones inside the polling centers of DUCSU and hall union polls.
On the day, Journalists will be allowed to go to ‘polling centre’s guestroom or specified place’ upon permission from the concerned returning officer, said a press release of the university issued on Friday.
The press release also said that the voters can cast their vote showing student identity cards into at the voting centres before 2:00pm where metal detectors will be set up at the gates.
The university authority also assured that special booths will be set up and necessary cooperation would be extended for visually impaired students.
The decision was taken in a hall provosts’ meeting headed by university’s vice-chancellor Professor Akhtaruzzaman, the release added.
People from all walks of life have been urged to use alternative routes till 10:00pm on the voting day while access to all types of motor vehicles to the university campus will be restricted.
The instructions will not be applicable to vehicles of the concerned people related to the election activities and all classes and examinations of the university will remain closed on the day.
Meanwhile, left students-supported panel Progressive Students Unity placed their 16-point manifesto ahead of the poll, with the pledge of ensuring a university free from occupation, muscle power and democratic rights for every student.
Left platforms convener Iqbal Kabir read out the manifesto at a press conference held at Modhu’s canteen of the university on Friday noon.
Their other points include ensuring full autonomy of Dhaka University and curbing “appointment of teachers based on competence, accommodation for students, adequate transport, library modernisation and expansion, medical facilities, and introducing modern education system.
In the meantime, aspirants of different student bodies, platforms and individuals were passing hectic time as the poll is knocking at the door while many were seen distributing leaflets and putting up posters to drum up support in favour of them across the campus while allegation raised against almost all student bodies of violating electoral code of conduct.
Chhatra Dal brought out a huge procession on the campus on Friday afternoon where many non-students were seen participating, while Chhatra League was campaigning at the university’s’ central mosque using its microphone violating electoral code of conduct.
In the DUCSU polls, 21 candidates would vie for the position of vice-president, 14 for general secretary and 13 for the assistant general secretary posts.
In the polls, 11 students are contesting for liberation war affairs secretary, 9 for science and technology affairs secretary, 9 common room and cafeteria secretary, 13 for international affairs secretary, eight for literature secretary, 12 for cultural secretary, 11 for sports secretary post, 10 for student transport secretary, 15 for social welfare secretary and 88 for the position of members.
