TDS Desk:

The Dhaka University Student Union has proposed introducing faculty and institute-based union elections alongside the existing Central and Hall Union elections to ensure comprehensive student representation across all academic levels.

The proposal stems from the fact that most DU students are non-residents and lack direct representation, as they do not belong to any hall councils.

The proposal was presented at a press conference held at Madhur Canteen at 2pm on Sunday.

“Students spend a large part of their time in departments, which have their own problems and crises that existing bodies cannot address,” Meghmallar Bosu, DUSU president, when asked about the necessity of faculty- and institute-based councils.

The proposal also calls for establishing a “Representative Council,” which would serve as Ducsu’s highest policy-making forum, comprising members from the Central Union, Hall Union, and Faculty/Institute Unions.

This body would be responsible for key decisions, such as forming the election committee and amending the constitution.

“This general representative body will ensure decision-making with broad participation; otherwise, the hall, faculty, and institute U=unions would be left out,” Meghmallar added.

Additionally, the proposal introduces “General Councils” for both hall and faculty/institute councils, where all students, not just executive members, would be included.

The DU Student Union has also proposed major reforms to Ducsu’s constitution, including abolishing the vice-chancellor’s role as Ducsu president and eliminating teacher-appointed positions.

All positions, including president and treasurer, would be directly elected by students.

The proposal also revokes the president’s authority to dismiss elected officials, dissolve parliament, and approve or cancel agendas.

The liberation war secretary position would be renamed liberation war and mass movement secretary with an expanded role, while the social service secretary would become social service and environment secretary.

Five new positions have been proposed for Ducsu, including academic affairs secretary, housing secretary, and healthcare secretary.

The election system would be restructured with a five-member committee comprising two students and three teachers, and voting centers would be moved from halls to academic buildings.

The proposed reforms also aim to increase student influence in Ducsu by introducing no-confidence motions against officials and creating mechanisms to dissolve parliament committees or fill vacant positions.

Students would have the power to petition for referendums on any Ducsu decision if supported by 15% of the student body.

The proposal establishes referendums as the sole method for amending the constitution, effectively removing the Syndicate’s authority over constitutional changes.

Additionally, various sub-committees will be formed under central executive committee secretaries, working alongside hall and faculty/institute councils. These will include specialized committees focused on academic affairs, research, and housing. The DU Student Union believes these reforms will create a more democratic, inclusive, and student-centered governance system at Dhaka University.