DUCSU elections: Conflicting surveys spark row over neutrality as Shibir, Chhatra Dal claim lead

Ahead of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) polls, a series of surveys claiming to show voter preferences have stirred controversy, with critics questioning both their neutrality and methodology. Four different organisations have so far published findings. In three of them, Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed vice-president (VP) candidate Abu Shadik Kayem was shown to hold a commanding lead. At least two of the organisations involved are directly linked to Shibir activists, raising concerns of bias. In contrast, another survey, circulated by writer Mohiuddin Mohammad on behalf of the “Bangladesh Public Academy”, projected BNP-backed Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal candidate Abidul Islam Khan far ahead. The conflicting results have fuelled debate over whether the surveys were conducted impartially. At a...