Student body polls: Include election dates in academic calendar

A specific slot for student body elections should be allocated in university academic calendars to ensure polls are held regularly, recommended Democracy International today.

The recommendation was made during a policy dialogue titled "Student Body Elections: Structural Reforms", held at the Cirdap auditorium in Dhaka.

While presenting the policy brief, Professor Kazi Maruful Islam of Dhaka University's Development Studies said, "The key challenges [to hold regular student body polls] include national political interference, administrative inaction, absence of clear legal frameworks, and the dominance of partisan student organisations."

Citing findings from a study titled "Restoring Regular Student Body Elections in Bangladesh", he said 73 percent DU students believe holding student body polls are mandatory, while 95 percent think the next election could be held within three to six months.

The study, conducted in March, drew input from students, political leaders, minority groups, and the wider university community.

The policy brief also called on faculty members to actively promote democratic values and urged that student bodies become more inclusive, ensuring equal participation from women, minorities, and marginalised groups.

Speaking at the event, DU pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Sayema Haque Bidisha said, "If we want to operate systematically, student body elections are crucial. They create a platform for dialogue, but require time and consensus from all stakeholders."

Umama Fatema, spokesperson for Student Against Discrimination, said, "We had hoped elections would be held after August 5 last year, but it's been nine months. We now doubt whether the interim government intends to hold them at all."

She said politicised university administration remains a major obstacle. "Teachers involved in politics fear losing influence. They don't oppose elections outright, but create hurdles to delay them."

"Including election dates in the academic calendar would put pressure on authorities to act," she added.

The dialogue was moderated by Lipika Biswas, senior director at Democracy International. Faculty members, students, and representatives from various institutions attended the event.