Ducsu elections: Will prioritise student welfare

SM Farhad, general secretary candidate from the Islami Chhatra
Shibir-backed Oikkoboddho Shikkharthi Jote in the upcoming Ducsu election,
wants to ensure a sound atmosphere on campus for academic activities and
prioritise the welfare of students.
If
elected, he said, his panel would focus on six key student issues: campus
safety, housing, security for female students, improved transportation,
healthcare and food standards, and career support.
Talking to The Daily Star, Farhad also outlined some clear red
lines. "We will oppose authoritarian politics, torture, guest-room and
gono-room practices, violence, and extortion. Neither Islamophobia nor
dress-related pressure will be tolerated. No one should feel pressured to wear
hijab, and no one should be afraid to wear other kinds of clothing."
Farhad,
president of DU Chhatra Shibir, voiced optimism about a favourable outcome,
saying his panel reflects the diversity and aspirations of students.
Explaining
the composition of his panel, he said candidates were chosen strictly on merit.
"For instance, our sports secretary nominee is a black-belt trainer, while
the law and human rights secretary candidate has long defended students' rights
and spoken against repression."
Farhad
said inclusivity is his panel's main strength. "Our panel includes critics
of Shibir, hijabi and non-hijabi students, Bengalis and non-Bengalis,
non-Muslims, even a student who lost an eye in the July movement.
Demographically and ideologically, this diversity mirrors our vision of
Bangladesh and the campus of the future."
He added
that his "political journey has always been close to the expectations and
sentiments of students."
"Despite
obstacles, I have stood by them—fighting for their rights, making
organisational practices more student-friendly, and working to restore an
academic atmosphere on campus. That is why I believe students now view us
positively."
Acknowledging
that his personal appeal stems from his organisation, Farhad said:
"Whatever influence I have is inseparable from my organisation. The
initiatives I've pursued for students were possible only through collective
strength."
Farhad
alleged that the electoral environment was already "murky," with the
administration favouring a particular group, and called on teachers to remain
neutral.
Asked
about a writ petition challenging his candidacy, he said: "The matter is
before the court, which will decide if I can contest. But no attempt will be
allowed to derail the elections. We will resist such moves."
Farhad
claimed that the issue of 1971 is being repeatedly raised against him as a
distraction.
"Our
opponents raise this only as a political ploy. They lack effective student
welfare programmes, and they fear the rising popularity of Shibir. So, they
keep raising the same old questions. We have already responded to these
officially many times, in various forums."
Concluding
on a conciliatory note, he said he sees other contestants not as rivals, but as
associates. "Whoever wins will take responsibility, and the rest of us
will assist."
















