Student Rights Council Announces 14-Point Manifesto for DUCSU Elections

The Chhatra Adhikar Parishad (Student Rights Council)-backed election panel, DUCSU for Change, Vote for Change, has unveiled a 14-point manifesto ahead of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections. Key promises include preserving the spirit of the Liberation War and the July Uprising, regular inclusion of DUCSU in the university calendar, and the renovation of the Registrar Building.

The manifesto was announced during a press conference on Thursday, 4 September, at 3:00 pm in front of Madhur Canteen, Dhaka University.

Attendees

The event was attended by:

At the conference, VP candidate Bin Yamin Molla read out the manifesto under the slogan: “No More Dirty Politics, No More Violence: Make DUCSU for Academic Excellence.”

He emphasised that the university would not allow domineering and authoritarian politics to return.

14-Point Manifesto

1. Institutionalising DUCSU: Make DUCSU a regular calendar event and ensure preparation for the next DUCSU continues while the current body is active.
2. Student Housing: Implement the principle of One Student, One Bed, One Table. Provide immediate accommodation for first- and second-year students, and offer residential scholarships based on merit and need until permanent housing is arranged.
3. Improve Food Quality: Upgrade the quality of meals, with subsidies if necessary.
4. Scholarships and Employment: Ensure full scholarships for all students. Arrange part-time jobs and internships based on merit and need, and provide outsourced job opportunities for on-campus students.
5. Research Centres: Upgrade existing research centres to world-class standards.
6. Libraries and Connectivity: Establish modern, well-equipped libraries and provide free Wi-Fi for all students.
7. Registrar Building Renovation: Renovate the building, automate processes including certificate issuance, and implement a one-stop service system.
8. Academia-Industry Relations: Strengthen links with leading national and international institutions and key government bodies to develop human resources.
9. Campus Safety: Ensure free and safe movement for outsiders and vehicles. Prioritise female student safety, especially in halls located outside the main campus such as Sufia Kamal Hall, Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, and Kuwait Maitree Hall.
10. Transportation: Resolve campus transport issues. Introduce bus tracking systems, expand eco-friendly electric shuttles, provide specialised rickshaws, ensure adequate trips per route, and maintain last buses at 8:00 pm on all routes, including exam days.
11. Medical Services: Modernise services at Golam Mortuza Medical Centre and establish pharmacies in hall areas.
12. Infrastructure Safety: Conduct temperature testing and renovation of all university buildings, including halls, academic buildings, and ponds.
13. Organisational Cooperation: Increase cooperation with DUCSU-affiliated and other active student organisations for development functions.
14. Democratic and Cultural Environment: Maintain an open environment for diverse opinions. Promote sports, arts, literature, and culture while upholding the spirit of the Liberation War and July Uprising.

The DUCSU for Change panel promises to create a safe, democratic, and development-oriented campus while preserving the heritage of Bangladesh’s independence struggle and student movements.