The number of polling booths in the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections will be increased to ensure a smooth voting process, Chief Returning Officer Mohammad Jasim Uddin announced on Saturday.

Speaking at a press conference at Dhaka University, he said that the overall electoral environment was satisfactory and that the Election Commission was committed to conducting a fair and transparent election. He emphasized that the Commission was not under any external pressure and was working to address emerging challenges, including cyberbullying and misinformation.

“The Election Commission is under no pressure from any quarter,” Jasim Uddin told reporters. “We are working on tackling cyberbullying and we want to bring down online propaganda to zero.” His remarks came as part of the Commission’s broader efforts to assure both candidates and students that the upcoming DUCSU and hall union elections in 2025 would be conducted in a free and fair atmosphere.

Alongside him, Taskforce Chief Golam Rabbani addressed concerns regarding social media activities connected to the polls. He confirmed that administrators of accused pages had been identified and spoken to regarding their roles in spreading misinformation. “The administrators of the accused pages have been warned,” Rabbani said, adding that some pages had already been shut down.

One such example is the page “Dhaka University Chhatra Shangsad-2,” which has now been closed. According to Rabbani, its administrator left the panel after being warned, and his candidacy in the elections was subsequently canceled. This, he said, demonstrated that the authorities were taking cyber accountability seriously in the context of student politics.

Rabbani further explained that page administrators and individuals linked to online propaganda had been given two more days to comply with the Commission’s directives. “If they fail to listen within the given time, further action will be taken,” he stated. His comments reflected the seriousness with which the election authorities are approaching digital ethics, particularly at a time when social media can significantly influence student politics.

The announcement of additional booths, alongside measures to curb cyberbullying, comes as the campus prepares for one of the most anticipated elections in its history. The DUCSU elections, often regarded as a barometer of student sentiment and political engagement, have historically played an important role in shaping national political discourse.

In recent years, concerns have been raised over the fairness and inclusivity of student elections. With campaigns now increasingly shifting online, allegations of misinformation and cyber harassment have become more pronounced. The Election Commission’s decision to address these issues head-on has therefore been welcomed by many observers as a step toward creating a level playing field.

At Saturday’s press conference, officials reiterated their commitment to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to cast their vote without intimidation or interference. The decision to increase the number of polling booths is intended to reduce overcrowding and allow voters to exercise their democratic rights in a safe environment. This move is expected to not only minimize logistical challenges but also enhance transparency and trust in the process.

The developments mark a significant phase in the lead-up to DUCSU and hall union elections scheduled for 2025. For many students, this election will be their first opportunity to directly engage with the democratic process on campus. The authorities’ focus on both physical arrangements, such as booth expansion, and digital issues, such as cyberbullying, reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing modern electoral challenges.

While the preparations continue, the political atmosphere on campus remains charged. Student organizations are actively campaigning, debating policies, and mobilizing support among peers. Social media, once a space for lively debate, has become a double-edged sword—providing visibility for candidates but also enabling the spread of rumors and harassment. The Commission’s warnings to page administrators underscore its determination to prevent online spaces from becoming tools of electoral manipulation.

Observers note that how the Election Commission manages both the logistical and digital aspects of the polls will determine the credibility of the elections. Previous student elections have faced criticism over irregularities and lack of transparency. This time, however, officials insist that they are leaving no stone unturned to restore faith in the process.

As the press conference concluded, both Jasim Uddin and Golam Rabbani emphasized the importance of cooperation from all stakeholders—candidates, students, and digital communities alike. They stressed that while the Commission can implement regulations and monitoring, the success of the election ultimately depends on a collective commitment to fairness, respect, and democratic values.

With just months to go before voting day, the focus is now on whether these measures will be enough to ensure a free, fair, and credible DUCSU election. For Dhaka University students, the upcoming polls are more than just a campus event—they represent an opportunity to shape their political culture and reaffirm the relevance of student unions in the national conversation.