Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU): Mini Parliament of Bangladesh

Dhaka University Central Students' Union, also known by its acronym DUCSU, is the official students union of the University of Dhaka. Called the mini-parliament of Bangladesh. DUCSU represents Dhaka University students in the University's decision-making, to act as the voice for students in the national higher education policy debate, and to provide direct services to the student body.

It was established in the academic year of 1922-23 as Dhaka University Student Union. Its first constitution was drafted in its general assembly on 30 October 1925. In 1953, its constitution was amended and the union was renamed Dhaka University Central Students' Union.

The first election of DUCSU was held in 1953. The chancellor of the university acts as the president of the Union while other posts are elected from the students' representatives. A teacher acts as the treasurer. In 1970, the student representatives were elected in direct voting for the first time. The last election was held in 1990. Upon the order from the High Court, an election is scheduled to be held on 11 March 2019.DUCSU is called the mini-parliament of Bangladesh.

Some of the most consequential events in the history of Bangladesh-such as the language movement, six-point demands, 1969's mass uprising-that led to the creation of Bangladesh were led by DUCSU. Even after Bangladesh came into being, DUCSU continued to play a vital role, and contributed to the fall of Ershad's military regime. The importance of elected bodies under DUCSU is considered both in the light of the past role that DUCSU has played in national life, as well as in the transformation of university campus from political to social and cultural spaces.

Out of a writ petition, the High Court Division of Bangladesh ordered Dhaka University to hold DUCSU election in 2018. DUCSU election is scheduled to be held on 11 March 2019. S M Mahfujur Rahman, a professor of International Business Department has been appointed as the chief returning officer in accordance with the clause 8(e) of DUCSU constitution. Five returning officers have been appointed to assist the chief returning officer. A 7 member's disciplinary committee has been formed to overlook disciplinary issues.

Though all students' organizations except Chhatra League demanded the polling booth to be located outside the residential halls, the DU syndicate decided that the polling booths be in the residential halls. Expectations are running high among different stakeholders of the University both within and outside the university centering the DUCSU and hall Unions elections. As mentioned earlier, the DUCSU and the Dhaka University played the roles of vanguards in upholding the rights and interests of the country. A number of students' leaders later imprinted their marks in national politics in later years.

Many of them also laid down their lives during different movements against autocratic regimes and more particularly during the liberation war in 1971. However, in the last three decades profound changes have taken place in Bangladesh. It is no longer a 'basket case' and in the recent past has graduated to be a lower middle income country and aspiring to join the club of the middle income countries soon with sustained high economic growth.

In the social sectors spectacular successes have also been achieved. More importantly, Bangladesh's successes in the education sector have earned global recognition. In the light of the above developments, it is perceived that the role of the elected DUCSU and the Hall Unions also needs to change to suit the demands and needs of the hour. The primary task should be ensuring active participation of the students in different forums of the University.

This will help in ventilating students' viewpoints and suggestions to improve particularly the quality of education and overall development of the student community. Here it may be mentioned that with time the number of students have increased manifolds. There are many problems that now confront the University like, limited students' accommodation facilities compared to demand; inadequate modern teaching learning and research facilities and space problem in the academic buildings.

The upcoming DUCSU and the Hall Unions should work in collaboration with the University authority to solve and mitigate these problems and limitations. The students Unions should also shoulder the responsibilities to improve the socio-cultural lives of the students because not only academics but socio cultural activities also play important roles in shaping the minds and psyche of the young minds, the students.

The Dhaka University has a noteworthy tradition and reputation in the area of sports. Many of its students have been members of various national sports teams. This tradition needs to be continued and in this regards the students unions ought to play facilitating roles. Most importantly, these elected bodies also need to create an environment of accommodation and co-existence of different students' organizations holding different viewpoints on issues and politics.

A congenial academic environment on the campus needs to be ensured. As noted earlier, the DUCSU and the Dhaka University students earlier played significant roles at crucial junctures of the life of the nation. In the coming days, it is also expected to be continued. In many cases, the form could be changed from confrontation to collaboration for upholding the interests of the student community.

It is expected that it will usher in a new culture in the university conducive for generating new ideas, visions and knowledge creation. Failing in these would thwart our efforts and national aspiration to build knowledge based society in Bangladesh. However, achievement of all these will also require cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders like the university authority, the government, all political parties and the civil society who have genuine interests and stakes in the University of Dhaka.

The writer is an author and banker.
The article first appeared in The Independent.