The Dhaka University authorities have introduced four new measures concerning the long-anticipated Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections. The decisions were formally disclosed on Saturday through an official circular signed by Chief Returning Officer Professor Dr. Mohammad Jasim Uddin, signaling an updated framework for the voting process that aims to ensure wider participation and smoother election management.

According to the announcement, the election will go ahead with polling centers set up in eight different locations across the campus, a decision consistent with the previous plan outlined by the election committee. These designated centers will serve as the official venues where thousands of students will exercise their right to vote and elect representatives to the historic student body.

One of the most significant revisions pertains to the number of booths that will be made available during the polls. Originally, the authorities had announced a total of 500 booths for casting ballots. However, in response to concerns regarding congestion and to provide voters with greater accessibility, the figure has now been revised upward to 710 booths. This expansion is expected to reduce overcrowding at polling centers and allow a larger number of students to cast their votes efficiently within the allocated timeframe.

The election committee has also confirmed the official voting hours. Polling will commence at 8 a.m. and continue uninterrupted until 4 p.m. in the afternoon, offering an eight-hour window for students to participate in the democratic process. The continuous voting schedule is intended to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure that students can cast their votes without extended waiting periods.

In addition, the new guidelines address concerns about voter accessibility at the close of polling. It has been clarified that any student who is in line at a polling booth by 4 p.m. will be allowed to cast their vote, even if the process extends beyond the stipulated closing time. This measure ensures that no eligible voter is denied participation simply because of being in a queue when the official voting period ends.

The decisions mark another step forward in preparations for the DUCSU elections, which carry significant symbolic weight in Bangladesh’s political and academic history. The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union has long been considered a platform that nurtures political leadership, providing a training ground for many figures who later shaped the nation’s political landscape. With this background, the upcoming polls have drawn widespread attention from students, alumni, and political observers alike.

The increase in booths and the assurance of uninterrupted voting hours indicate that the election authorities are seeking to avoid the logistical challenges often associated with large-scale student polls. The DUCSU elections are expected to draw participation from thousands of students spread across the university’s numerous faculties, departments, and residential halls. By introducing measures aimed at reducing congestion and ensuring inclusivity, the administration is attempting to enhance both transparency and fairness in the voting process.

Reactions to the announcement began surfacing shortly after the circular was issued. Many students welcomed the decision to expand the number of booths, noting that it would significantly ease the process of voting in a large university environment where delays are common. Others viewed the assurance that students in line at closing time will still be able to vote as an important safeguard to uphold the democratic rights of all participants.

Observers have also pointed out that these changes reflect the university’s efforts to address concerns raised in the lead-up to the elections. In previous years, student organizations and individual candidates had highlighted the need for a more organized election infrastructure, calling for adequate polling booths and extended hours to accommodate the sheer size of the university’s student population. The latest announcement suggests that the election authorities have taken those concerns into account.

Despite these positive steps, questions remain regarding the overall management of the election, particularly in ensuring security and maintaining a peaceful environment throughout the day of voting. DUCSU elections have historically been intense, with rival student organizations competing fiercely for representation. Ensuring that the polls are conducted smoothly without disruptions will require coordinated efforts from university officials, security forces, and student leaders.

As the election date approaches, campaign activities are expected to intensify across campus. Student groups are preparing to field candidates for various positions within the DUCSU framework, including the all-important post of vice president, general secretary, and assistant general secretary, among others. Posters, rallies, and debates are likely to dominate campus life in the days leading up to the polls, contributing to a charged atmosphere filled with both enthusiasm and rivalry.

The announcement of the new election measures provides clarity at a time when anticipation is high. For many students, particularly those voting for the first time, the DUCSU polls represent not just a chance to select leaders for their university but also an opportunity to engage in democratic practice on a meaningful scale.

As Saturday’s notification made clear, the authorities are committed to upholding fairness and accessibility, two elements that are crucial for the credibility of the polls. Whether these measures will be enough to ensure a smooth and transparent election remains to be seen, but they mark a notable step toward addressing the logistical and procedural challenges associated with such a large-scale student election.

The DUCSU elections are set to be a landmark event for Dhaka University, carrying implications that extend far beyond the campus itself. With the new decisions in place, students, teachers, and observers alike will be watching closely to see how the historic polls unfold and what direction the student leadership of Bangladesh’s premier university will take in the coming years.