Dhaka University Central Students Union vice-president (VP) candidate Liton Nandi says he has been chased by ‘some activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL)', as he went to inspect the voting at Hazi Mohammad Mohsin Hall on Monday morning.
According to local media reports, Nandi, nominated by Progressive Students Alliance, was barred as he wanted to enter Hazi Muhammed Mohsin Hall around 10:45am. Later, he, however, managed to enter. Then he raised rigging allegations and was locked into an altercation with some leaders and activists of the student wing of the ruling Awami League.
Proctor Golam Rabbani, who was on the scene, brought the situation under control.
Also general secretary of Bangladesh Chhatra Union, Nandi said, “Some of us, including me, went to observe the voting at the Mohsin Hall and were barred from entering there. Then, as we wanted to meet the provost, some students led by Chhatra League leader Sunny, chased us.
“It is unfortunate that despite being central Ducsu candidates, we were barred from entering the hall,” he added.
“Given that the attack took place just when the hall provost and the returning officer were present there, we may take it for granted that the voting was not taking place fairly,” the leftist leader said.
He also alleged, “Though nine ballot boxes were supposed to be at the Roquiah Hall, only six of them were shown and the rest have been kept under lock and key at the Hall Sangsad Room. Those are not being shown to students.”
Provost Nizamul Haq Bhuiyan said, “It resulted from a misunderstanding. However, now the situation is calm.”
Almost all student organisations except for the BCL had expressed concern over the fairness of the election in that the ruling party’s student wing already has the control over all the halls at the university, demanding that the polling centres be set up at the academic buildings paving the way for the intimidation-free election.
