Ahead of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections, 11 female candidates of the Prevention Council panel have announced 11 commitments focused on women’s rights and safety. Under the slogan “No concessions on women’s issues”, the manifesto was unveiled at a press conference in front of Madhur Canteen on Sunday. It was read out by VP candidate Sheikh Tasnim Afroz Imi, Reading Room and Cafeteria Editor candidate Nuzia Hasin (Rasha), and member candidate Mishkatul Mashiyat.
Their pledges include setting up a cyberbullying prevention cell, an anti-sexual harassment cell, and initiatives for women’s reproductive health and maternity benefits. The manifesto also promises women-friendly housing, eliminating discrimination against non-resident female students, ensuring access to toilets, keeping reading rooms and common rooms open 24 hours, supporting women’s sports, including women’s issues in research, and increasing women’s representation in the DUCSU structure.
The Prevention Council is made up of seven left-leaning student organizations, including Chhatra Union, Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, Biplobi Chhatra Maitree, and Pahari Chhatra Parishad. From this panel, Meghmallar Basu of Chhatra Union is running for General Secretary and Md. Jabir Ahmed Jubel of Biplobi Chhatra Maitree is running for Assistant General Secretary. This year, 471 candidates are contesting 28 DUCSU posts, including 45 for Vice President, 19 for General Secretary, and 25 for Assistant General Secretary. A total of 62 women are contesting across almost all posts, except International Affairs Editor and Student Transport Editor.
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