The long-anticipated Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election has entered a new phase as official campaigning kicked off today, transforming the campus into a hub of student activity. Candidates have begun reaching out to voters, and the university premises are abuzz with rallies, posters, and student gatherings.

Earlier in the morning, the election commission held a meeting with all participating candidates at the university’s Senate building. During the session, officials outlined key directives and urged everyone to strictly follow the electoral code of conduct throughout the campaign period.

According to the commission’s announcement, a total of 471 candidates have been declared eligible to contest in the election. Initially, 509 nomination papers were submitted, but 28 candidates later withdrew their candidacies, while 10 others did not pursue their appeals. The final list was formally published today, setting the stage for a highly competitive election season.

Breaking down the numbers, 45 candidates will vie for the prestigious position of Vice President (VP), while 19 candidates are in the race for the General Secretary (GS) post. The Assistant General Secretary (AGS) position has drawn 25 contenders. In addition, 17 candidates will compete for the Liberation War and Democratic Movement secretary post, and 12 others will contest the Science and Technology secretary position.

The election process began earlier this month when nomination papers were distributed between August 12 and August 19. All completed forms had to be submitted by August 20, after which scrutiny and appeal hearings took place. With the final list now confirmed, campaigning will intensify across the university’s faculties, dormitories, and common spaces in the coming days.

Student leaders and organizations have already begun mobilizing their supporters. Banners and posters have started appearing on campus walls, while candidates are engaging in personal outreach to persuade students. The atmosphere reflects both anticipation and excitement, as the DUCSU election has historically been regarded as a platform for nurturing future national leaders.

Observers believe the unusually high number of candidates this year indicates a surge of student enthusiasm and political engagement. For many, DUCSU remains not only a representative body but also a symbol of the university’s proud tradition of democratic movements and student activism in Bangladesh’s history.

As the campaign officially takes off, the focus will now turn to how candidates present their manifestos and address pressing student concerns, including academic reforms, housing issues, campus facilities, and political freedom. The election commission has emphasized that maintaining discipline and ensuring a fair process will be crucial to the credibility of this long-awaited election.

With 471 contenders across various positions, Dhaka University is now bracing for weeks of vibrant campaigning ahead of the polls. For the students of the country’s premier university, the election is more than just a contest of numbers—it is a chance to shape leadership and influence the direction of student politics for years to come.