Protesters call indefinite strike at DU, demand fresh polls

Protesters call indefinite strike at DU, demand fresh polls

Members of various panels contesting the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) polls, called an indefinite strike from Tuesday, demanding fresh election.

All panels, except ruling party's student front Bangladesh Chhatra League, boycotted DUCSU election, held after 28 years, alleging vote fraud.

Supporters and candidates of the panels staged a sit-in in front of the vice-chancellor's office in the afternoon.

"We'll continue demonstration until the university authorities accept our demands," said Arani Shamenti Khan, a vice-president candidate (independent).

They also asked the university to halt the announcement of the election results.

In the afternoon, supporters of different panels brought out a procession and staged another sit-in in front of the VC's residence.

The panels announced their decisions to boycott polls at press briefings.

Meanwhile, many current and former students expressed disappointment over the elections on social media platform Facebook.

But vice-chancellor professor Akhtaruzzaman claimed the elections had been peaceful although there were some stray incidents.

"I'm happy," he said. "I express my gratitude to all involved in the election process."