| Dhaka University authorities have failed to form the long-awaited Dhaka University Central Students` Union (DUCSU) Election Commission (EC) as student protests enter their fourth day, with two hunger strikers now hospitalised and negotiations grinding to a halt.
University officials, including Pro Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha mentioned that some senior faculty members are unwilling to take responsibility for overseeing election process, especially those with prior administrative experience.
They merely claim to be holding meetings and speaking with student political organisations; what some protesters cynically call a “dangling radish.”
Many teachers are reportedly on leave and those present are either reluctant or unavailable to take up sensitive roles in EC.
Despite mounting pressure and the deteriorating health conditions of hunger strikers, university officials have yet to take any concrete steps toward forming electoral body students urgently demand.
Administration claims that the murder of Shahriar Alam Shammo on May 13 disrupted their dialogue and planning process with student organisations.
Bin Yamin Molla, President of Chhatra Adhikar Parishad, and Mahtab Islam, Joint Convener of DU unit, were rushed to Shahid Buddhijibe Dr. Muhammad Mortaza Medical Centre around 8:30 PM on Friday after more than 48 hours without food.
Their hospitalisation marks a critical escalation in protests that began three days ago, demanding formation of DUCSU Election Commission, justice for Shammo`s murder and enhanced campus safety measures.
But, on-cite investigation and interrogating authorities revealed clear absence of administrative oversight of campus safety. 600 meter `danger zone`, stretching from DU Metro Rail to Mariam Bibi`s shrine has no CCTV camera under DU`s ICT Cell`s jurisdiction. The entire zone houses unchecked vagrants and narcos, dwelling on makeshift beds in an unhygienic environment as litters, wastages and trashes remain uncleaned on ramps. Moreover, this zone is critical of safety measures with no security guard or proctorial patrolling.
Hospitalised students have defied medical advice, refusing to break their fast despite serious health concerns.
Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed said that they will be consulting with university authorities on Saturday at 2PM, but no broad consensus has yet been reached, possibly due to political sensitivities surrounding the election.
Jamaluddin Mohammad Khalid, Convener of Swadhin Bangladesh Chhatra Sangsad, continues his 24-hour hunger strike, demonstrating unwavering commitment to their cause.
"They refused, stating they will continue until DUCSU Election Commission is formed," Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed media, highlighting the protesters` steadfast determination.
University meeting have reached an impasse as authorities struggle to provide satisfactory responses to student demands.
Proctor acknowledged the urgency but offered only vague promises, "We will hold a meeting tomorrow (Saturday) at 2 PM to discuss this matter. After that, we can communicate our decision."
This delayed approach has frustrated protesters who view the four-day stalemate as institutional reluctance to address democratic deficits.
DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Sayema Haque Bidisha and Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed were present during the medical emergency, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
"Two of them have been fasting for more than two days, which has led to a decline in their physical condition," the proctor explained, yet no immediate action followed regarding their core demands.
Campus solidarity has intensified as protests drag on, with Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad and July Oikya joining the movement alongside numerous general students. This expanding support base reflects widespread frustration with the university`s sluggish response to democratic reforms and safety concerns that have plagued the institution for months.
The prolonged standoff exposes deeper institutional challenges as students risk their health for basic democratic rights. With talks stalled and EC remaining a distant prospect, the crisis threatens to escalate further unless authorities move beyond rhetoric to concrete action.
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