DUCSU and hall union elections began today across Dhaka University campus . Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Sept 9, 2025 (BSS) - The long-awaited elections to the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) and hall unions began on schedule at 8 am today across eight designated polling centres on the campus.

Students were seen gathering at the centres well before the official opening hour, while returning officers sealed ballot boxes in front of the media to ensure transparency.

For the first time, optical mark recognition (OMR) technology-based six-page ballot forms are being used in the elections.

Earlier in the morning, BNP's student wing Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) backed VP candidate Abidul Islam Khan visited the Udayan School and College polling centre. 

Soon after polling began, Islami Chhatra Shibir backed VP candidate Shadik Kayem and Chhatra Dal backed GS candidate Tanvir Bari Hamim queued with fellow students at the same centre to cast their ballots.

Many first-time voters expressed excitement over participating in a democratic process free from fear or pressure. 

"It feels like an honour to vote according to my own will. After the fall of fascism, being able to vote in such an environment is truly encouraging," said student Sumon Islam after casting his vote.

Another student, Alfaz Hossain, shared similar feelings: "Although I became a voter long ago, I never had the chance to cast my ballot freely for my preferred candidate. This is the first time I exercised my franchise in the DUCSU election."

University authorities and election officials voiced optimism that the polls would remain free, fair and peaceful amid the festive mood across the campus.