In Bangladesh, a panel backed by Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, has secured a decisive victory in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections.

According to official results, the Shibir-supported candidates who emerged victorious with formidable vote margins are – Abu Shadik Kayem as Vice President, SM Farhad as General Secretary, and Mohiuddin Khan as Assistant General Secretary.  

However, opposing factions, particularly candidates affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s Chhatra Dal and independent panels, vocally rejected the results as “shamelessly rigged” and accused the administration of favouritism toward the Shibir-backed group.

The results have ignited debate over the influence of Islamist student politics in one of Bangladesh’s most historic educational institutions.

Analysts view the outcome as significant, noting that Dhaka University has historically been a stronghold of progressive and secular student organisations.

The victory of Shibir-backed candidates reflects shifting dynamics on campus and a growing influence of Islamist student politics.

The elections, the first in several years, were closely monitored following concerns of possible unrest.

Observers suggest that the results could have wider political implications beyond the university, given the central role Dhaka University has played in shaping national leadership and political movements throughout Bangladesh’s history.