Sharif M Shafique

Sabina Yasmin, a general secretary candidate from the ‘Ducsu for Change’ panel, is contesting the Ducsu elections to make the campus more women-friendly and inspire more women to enter politics following last year’s uprising.

If elected vice president of Ducsu, Abidul Islam Khan, candidate from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal-backed panel, has pledged to turn the campus into a safe and inclusive space for all students.

Abu Baker Mojumdar, a former coordinator of Students Against Discrimination (SAD) and now vying for the post of general secretary in the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) election, pledged to continue political, social, and cultural struggles on behalf of students.

Abu Shadik Kayem, vice-president (VP) candidate from the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed panel in the upcoming Ducsu election, says he wants to transform Dhaka University from what he calls a “political institution” into an academic one by bringing a balance between education and politics.

Anamul Hasan Onoy, general secretary (GS) candidate from the “Aparajeyo 71–Odommo 24” panel in the upcoming Ducsu election, said he is contesting the polls to resist anti-state and anti-liberation forces.

Shameem Hossen, an independent candidate for the vice-president (VP) post, said he has entered the Ducsu election race to transform it into a platform for students, free from the control and interference of political parties.

Meghmallar Basu, general secretary candidate from the Protirodh Porshod panel in the upcoming Ducsu election, said he will remain vocal against injustices and for the rights of students, regardless of the election result.

If elected Vice-President (VP) of Ducsu, independent candidate Umama Fatema from the Independent Student Unity Panel has pledged to prioritise major academic reforms.

Al Sadi Bhuiyan, a candidate for general secretary from the Independent Student Unity panel in the upcoming Ducsu election, said his candidacy is driven by a sense of responsibility toward Dhaka University and its students.

Sheikh Tasnim Afroz (Emi), vice-president (VP) candidate of the “Protirodh Porshod” panel in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) elections, has pledged to resolve the accommodation crisis for female students and to ensure healthy political practices on campus if elected.

Shaikh Tanvir Baree Hamim, the general secretary candidate from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD)-nominated panel in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union election, has pledged to bring major changes to the Ducsu constitution.

Abdul Qader, vice president (VP) candidate from the “Boishommo Birodhi Shikkharthi Sangsad” panel in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) election, has pledged to resolve the issues relating to food and accommodation and end the “gono room” culture if elected.

Says appointment likely based on his years of activism

Niloy Das's guitar skills were unparalleled, and he was celebrated as one of Bangladesh's top guitarists. His journey into the world of music was not limited to a single genre; instead, he ventured into non-classical genres, drawing inspiration from renowned guitarists like Ritchie Blackmore and Randy Rhoads. His passion for the guitar was evident in every note he played, and it left an everlasting impression on those who had the privilege of hearing his music.

The Jatiya Nagorik Committee, formed following the July-August student-led mass uprising, seeks to unite diverse groups in Bangladesh to establish a new political “settlement” for a democratic society.

TDS: What’s your take on the uprising that toppled the Awami League regime?

Cartoons, as a form of artistic activism, speak the language of time. They highlight contemporary political events and societal absurdities, often at great personal risk to the artists. Despite the former AL-led government's attempts to instil fear during the anti-discrimination student movement, the people's resolve only grew stronger. Cartoonists were no exception, capturing the then government's atrocities—murders, repression, and abductions—in powerful images that spread like wildfire across social media. These cartoons became the movement's fuel, igniting further resistance.

It’s been a month since the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government was overthrown by a student-people uprising. Noted economist Anu Muhammad discusses the movement, the regime’s fall, and the interim government’s tenure, tasks and challenges in an interview with The Daily Star’s Sharif M Shafique and Sadi Muhammad Alok.

When it comes to speaking out against injustice and oppression, there aren’t many artistes who stand out as prominently as Ashfaque Nipun. Known for his active presence both online and on the ground, Nipun has been a vocal participant in various protests. His determination was evident during the quota reform movement, which later evolved into the anti-discrimination student movement and led to the dramatic fall of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime.