Umama Fatema, former spokesperson of the anti-discrimination student movement, has announced her independent panel for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections. She will contest the vice president position under this newly formed panel.

On Monday, the last day for submitting nomination forms, Umama collected her candidacy documents, signaling the formal beginning of her campaign. The announcement has generated significant interest among students, who are keenly observing the emerging contest for leadership positions at the university.

According to sources close to the panel, Umama Fatema will run for vice president, while Al Sadi Bhuiya, former president of the Dhaka University Journalists’ Association, will contest for the general secretary position. The assistant general secretary post is expected to be contested by Mahiyuddin Mujahid Mahi, the current president of the Journalists’ Association.

Speaking to the media, Umama Fatema emphasized that the panel will be officially announced next Tuesday. She stated that the team would be selected based on merit and a shared vision for a student-friendly approach. “Our goal is to establish a DUCSU panel that prioritizes the welfare of students, addressing their academic, social, and administrative concerns,” she said.

The upcoming elections at Dhaka University are widely regarded as a platform for shaping student leadership and policy advocacy within the campus. Independent panels, like the one announced by Umama, often focus on specific agendas, in her case emphasizing inclusivity and educational reform. Her campaign is expected to highlight student rights, equitable access to campus resources, and fostering a supportive environment for learning and extracurricular activities.

Umama Fatema has previously been active in movements against discrimination and has played a key role in mobilizing students around social justice issues. Her decision to form an independent panel suggests a strategy to create an alternative to mainstream political groupings within the DUCSU elections. Analysts predict that her campaign could attract a diverse voter base, particularly among students seeking change and transparency in campus governance.

The formation of this panel also signals the competitive nature of the upcoming elections, with multiple groups vying for key positions. Candidates often engage in extensive campaigns, including dialogues with student organizations, promotional events, and policy discussions. Umama’s team is expected to outline specific initiatives aimed at improving student life, from enhancing academic support systems to increasing opportunities for student engagement in policymaking.

Observers note that the selection of experienced candidates for top posts, such as Al Sadi Bhuiya and Mahiyuddin Mujahid Mahi, strengthens the credibility of Umama’s panel. Their backgrounds in student journalism and leadership roles position them to address campus issues effectively while advocating for transparency and accountability within university administration.

As the DUCSU elections approach, students are paying close attention to the agendas and promises of various panels. Independent candidates like Umama Fatema often emphasize inclusivity and student welfare, positioning themselves as alternatives to politically affiliated groups. This approach may resonate with voters who prioritize merit-based leadership and reforms aimed at improving campus life.

The upcoming announcement of the full panel next Tuesday is anticipated to finalize the lineup of candidates who will contest the elections. Campaign strategies, including outreach programs, public discussions, and social media engagement, are likely to intensify in the weeks leading up to the election.

With her independent panel, Umama Fatema aims to bring a renewed focus on student-friendly governance, equitable access to university facilities, and initiatives that support both academic and personal development. Her campaign underscores the importance of responsive leadership and transparent decision-making in student governance.

The Dhaka University Students’ Union elections remain a pivotal event in the academic calendar, reflecting broader debates on leadership, representation, and student rights. Umama Fatema’s entry into the race with her independent panel adds a new dimension to these discussions, highlighting the potential for change through merit-based and issue-focused leadership.