The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) accused Dhaka University authorities of engineering votes during the much-anticipated Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) election, claiming they were barred from observing the counting process.

After polling ended peacefully across eight centers from 8am to 4pm, JCD’s panel gathered in front of TSC in the evening demanding entry into the counting room. When denied, they accused the administration of manipulation.

Tensions flared particularly after JCD activists displayed a ballot paper from Rokeya Hall allegedly pre-marked in favor of a Jamaat-e-Islami backed Shibir panel. Later in the evening, a photo of Shibir-backed VP candidate Shadik Kayem standing inside a counting room went viral on social media, further fueling JCD’s anger.

JCD’s VP candidate Abidul Islam Khan told reporters, “We heard that Shibir candidates are being allowed to observe counting at various centers. Why are we denied? How can we trust the administration when irregularities are surfacing everywhere?”

Earlier at a press conference at Madhur Canteen, Abidul warned, “We have been patient so far, but let it be clear: if there is any attempt to manipulate votes, general students will resist.”

He also directly accused election officials, saying, “You have outdone Sheikh Hasina. Just like in 2019, you are repeating the same rigging.”

Shadik Kayem, responding to criticism over his presence in the counting room, told journalists, “I went there to talk to returning officers, not to monitor counting.”

Independent AGS candidate Hasibul Islam also alleged irregularities, saying ballot boxes were not shown on the LED screen at TSC as promised. “The screen remained off for long stretches. We want answers on what the administration did during that time,” he said.

As frustration mounted, JCD activists brought out a protest procession on campus. Later in the evening, central JCD leaders met with Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan. However, when the VC dismissed the rigging allegations as baseless, tensions spiked again among JCD supporters.

Despite the growing unrest, no major untoward incident was reported on campus as of the latest update, though sporadic agitation continued around TSC.