Dhaka University’s central campus witnessed a significant political event on Sunday, September 7, as the panel of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD)-backed candidates for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) and hall union elections took their oath at the historic Bat Tala near the Faculty of Arts building.

The oath-taking ceremony was conducted by the “Abid-Hamim-Mayed Parishad,” the panel fielded by JCD in the Ducsu polls. The candidates vowed to uphold the principles of democracy, fairness, and student rights while pledging to restore what they described as a democratic culture on the Dhaka University campus.

According to a prior announcement issued on Saturday by the Dhaka University unit of Chhatra Dal, signed by its office secretary Mallik Wasi Uddin Tami, the event was scheduled for Sunday noon at Bat Tala. The program was open to both students of the university and members of the media, with the organization urging wide participation to mark the symbolic occasion.

In the announcement, JCD emphasized that the oath was more than a formal requirement for election; it was intended as a demonstration of the candidates’ commitment to represent the voices of general students. The statement described the event as an effort to reinvigorate student politics on campus with transparency, inclusivity, and dedication to the rights of students who, according to them, have long felt marginalized.

The gathering was attended by leaders of the Dhaka University Chhatra Dal, including its president, Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas, and general secretary, Nahiduzzaman Shipon. Both leaders spoke of their hopes for a vibrant election campaign and called for free participation by all student organizations. They noted that their candidates would work to ensure fair treatment for students in university affairs, academic life, and access to campus resources.

At the event, the candidates collectively read out the oath, which centered on promises of impartial leadership, accountability to the student body, and commitment to addressing issues such as seat crises in residential halls, quality of education, and protection of students’ rights. Supporters present at the Bat Tala expressed optimism that the new leadership would bring fresh momentum to the long-debated Ducsu elections.

Ducsu elections, historically a key platform for national politics in Bangladesh, are seen as a reflection of broader political currents in the country. The participation of JCD-backed candidates signals the continued rivalry between student fronts aligned with the country’s major political parties, particularly the ruling Awami League’s Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) and the BNP’s student wing, JCD.

Observers noted that Sunday’s oath-taking marks an important step in the preparation for the elections, which are being closely watched amid calls for fair conduct and proper representation of all student organizations. Many students at Dhaka University have expressed the hope that this year’s Ducsu and hall union elections will move away from the controversies of the past and instead prioritize student welfare.

Speaking after the oath, Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas urged the authorities to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates during the campaign and voting process. He reiterated that JCD candidates are committed to engaging with every section of the student community. “This oath is not just ceremonial,” he said, “it is our public commitment to the students of Dhaka University that we will uphold their trust and fight for their rights.”

General secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon also echoed these sentiments, calling on students to actively participate in the upcoming elections. He encouraged them to judge candidates based on their vision and dedication rather than partisan divisions. “Our panel has promised to restore student-friendly practices and ensure that university governance reflects the needs of its students,” he remarked.

The symbolic use of Bat Tala, a historic site associated with student activism and democratic movements, added weight to the event. For decades, Bat Tala has served as a stage for student gatherings, protests, and calls for reform, making it a fitting venue for the oath-taking ceremony of candidates seeking to revive the tradition of student representation through Ducsu.

As campaigning begins in earnest, both students and political analysts will be monitoring how the promises made at Sunday’s ceremony translate into action in the coming weeks. While student politics at Dhaka University has often been criticized for being an extension of national rivalries, some see in this year’s election a chance to re-establish student organizations as genuine platforms for academic and social welfare.

The oath-taking of JCD-backed candidates highlights the competitive spirit surrounding the Ducsu elections, while also raising hopes that student leaders will prioritize service to their peers above political expediency. Whether these promises materialize will ultimately be determined by how candidates conduct themselves throughout the campaign and beyond.