The race for the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections gained significant traction on the final day of nomination collection, with a sharp rise in candidate activity.

As per the announced schedule, the deadline for collecting nomination papers ends today at 4:00pm. Candidates, both affiliated with political student wings and running independently, showed heightened enthusiasm throughout the day.

Chief Returning Officer Professor Mohammad Jasim Uddin informed at a media briefing that as of Saturday afternoon, 125 nomination papers had been collected. Among them, 19 were for the post of Vice President (VP), two for General Secretary (GS), five for Assistant General Secretary (AGS), 44 for 12 editorial positions, and 55 for member posts. Additionally, 108 nomination papers were taken for the 12 hall unions.

However, the Election Commission expects the total number to cross 300 by the end of the day, as several top leaders of prominent student organisations are yet to collect their nomination forms.

Panels representing student wings of major political parties, along with numerous independent candidates, are gearing up for the polls. Panels of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Islami Chhatra Shibir, Ganotantrik Chhatra Sangsad, Islami Chhatra Andolan, Bamjote (Left Alliance), and Chhatra Odhikar Parishad are reportedly finalising their line-ups.

According to campus sources, Abidul Islam Khan (VP) and Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim (GS) are being considered for Chhatra Dal’s panel. Islami Chhatra Shibir is likely to field Md. Abu Sadiq Kayem (VP), SM Farhad (GS), and Mohiuddin Khan (AGS), while Ganotantrik Chhatra Sangsad may nominate Abdul Kader (VP), Abu Baker Majumder (GS), and Tahmid Al Muddassir Chowdhury (AGS).

In the Left Alliance, DU Students’ Union President Meghmallar Basu, Samajtantrik Student Front convener Mozammel Haque, and Jabir Ahmed Jubel of Biplobi Chhatra Maitri are expected to contest the top three positions. Chhatra Odhikar Parishad has confirmed Bin Yamin Mollah as its VP candidate, with Rakibul Islam and Sabina Yasmin being discussed for GS and AGS, respectively.

Several independent panels are also entering the contest. Among them, Jamaluddin Mohammad Khalid and Md Mahin Sarkar are reportedly forming a VP–GS ticket, while Umama Fatema (VP) and Dhaka University Journalists’ Association President Mohiuddin Mujahid Mahi (GS) are also preparing to contest together.

According to the election schedule, the deadline for submitting nomination papers is 3:00pm on 19 August. Scrutiny will take place on 20 August, followed by the publication of the preliminary candidate list on 21 August. The deadline for withdrawal of candidacy is 25 August, with the final list set to be published on 26 August. Voting will be held on 9 September.