DUCSU Election Ahead, Shibir-backed VP Candidate Sadiq Kayem Confident

Staff Reporter | PNN

Abu Sadiq Kayem, the vice-president (VP) candidate of the “United Students’ Alliance” declared by Islami Chhatra Shibir, has entered the field with confidence in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections. After a long time of limited activity, he is now contesting on the big stage of central student politics.

In an interview, Sadiq Kayem said that over the past year they have stood beside students in dealing with financial, security, and academic crises. As a result, while campaigning, they are receiving positive responses from students.

On the strategy of not presenting panels in hall unions, he explained, after the July revolution, students opposed organized politics in the halls. Respecting their opinion, they are only participating in the central elections. However, he also claimed that they are receiving communications from various halls regarding the election.

Addressing the perception that Shibir-backed candidates are weak in securing votes from female students and Jagannath Hall, Sadiq Kayem said, “This is propaganda. Our panel will receive the highest number of votes from female students. Jagannath Hall students will also trust the honesty and competence of our leadership.”

Highlighting their strengths, he said their panel reflects unity in diversity. It includes representatives from the Chakma community, hijabi and non-hijabi women, and students with disabilities. Even critics have been given a place on the panel.

He alleged, “Unable to face us ideologically, our rivals are running propaganda against us. But we are not engaging in slander; we are showing a roadmap to building the campus of students’ dreams.”

Expressing hope of victory in the upcoming election, Sadiq Kayem added, “After the July revolution, many leaders became corrupt. We have stood, are standing, and will continue to stand by the students. Especially for female students, we will not stop until a safe campus is ensured.”