The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD)-nominated panel has demanded an increase in the number of polling stations for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections.

The panel submitted a memorandum to the DUCSU Election Commission on Wednesday, arguing that it is not feasible to conduct voting for nearly 40,000 students across only eight polling centres.

The memorandum was handed over during a meeting with the Election Commission at the Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building around 3:30pm.

Panel candidates, including VP aspirant Abidul Islam Khan, GS candidate Tanvir Bari Hamim, and AGS candidate Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed, were present at the meeting.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, VP candidate Abidul Islam Khan said, “We have submitted a memorandum and letter to the Election Commission demanding an increase in polling centres. It is almost impossible to conduct voting in only eight centres for 40,000 students. Each voter has to cast 41 votes, which will take at least 5–10 minutes per person. We are concerned whether all students will get the chance to exercise their voting rights under such limitations.”

He further alleged that in the 2019 DUCSU elections, many students, including himself, were deprived of voting rights due to what he termed “artificial lines.” He urged the commission to ensure a fair opportunity for all students this time.

The JCD panel also raised concerns over online propaganda allegedly being spread through various social media groups, pages, and fake profiles in the name of candidates.

They alleged that female candidates are facing harassment online. A list of these groups and pages was submitted to the Election Commission, with a warning that without curbing such activities, it will not be possible to ensure a “level playing field” in the elections.