Dhaka University will hold elections for its Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and hall councils today, with police enforcing a three-tier security system to ensure a peaceful vote.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that security measures were put in place on Monday morning and will remain until Wednesday. A police control room has been established at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) to coordinate operations.

Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam told local media that campaigning had concluded and expressed confidence that the elections would proceed smoothly. “A sufficient number of police officers have been deployed across the campus. Law enforcement will be present at the university boundaries, patrolling the area, and stationed at polling centres. We are on constant alert to prevent any disruption,” he said.

The DUCSU Election Commission, headed by the chief returning officer, will oversee the polls, while security forces will act under its instructions to guarantee that students can cast their votes freely.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sazzat Ali, speaking at a coordination meeting on Monday, warned that any attempt to disrupt the election would be met with strict action. He later told reporters outside TSC that police had been preparing for a week and expected security to be “very strong” on polling day. The security plan includes checkpoints at campus gates, regular patrols, officers equipped with body cameras, SWAT teams, bomb disposal units, intelligence teams, CCTV monitoring and patrols by special forces. Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will also be on duty.

A total of 1,771 police officers are currently deployed, with another 2,096 to join on Tuesday. The security operation will remain in force until 6 pm on 10 September. Traffic restrictions will be in place around Shahbagh, the High Court, Nilkhet, Shahidullah Hall and Polashi roads during the election, and commuters are advised to use alternative routes. An arms ban is also in effect in the DMP area from 8 pm on 8 September until 12 pm on 11 September.

Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to ensuring transparency and security. “We want to conduct this year’s DUCSU elections with the highest level of transparency — and transparency will be our greatest strength,” he said on Monday.

He explained that preparations had been made for around 40,000 students to vote across eight centres, with CCTV surveillance, a three-tiered security system and sufficient polling officers in place. Teachers, proctors, BNCC members and university volunteers will assist in maintaining order, with additional support from law enforcement if necessary.

In a video message on the university’s official Facebook page, Professor Niaz urged students to participate confidently. “You have been looking forward to the DUCSU elections with great anticipation. This event is rooted in the spirit of the mass uprising. It institutionalises our democratic aspirations and creates a united front against injustice. Come and vote without fear — we are waiting for you,” he said.

He reminded candidates of their collective responsibility in upholding democratic values, noting that victory and defeat are both part of the electoral process. “The entire country is watching us. A fair election will set a strong example not just for Dhaka University, but for the nation,” he said.

Special arrangements have been made for the safety of female students, with the Vice-Chancellor stressing that they should feel confident about attending polling centres.

Voting will take place from 8 am to 4 pm on Tuesday, with results for the DUCSU and hall council elections expected to be announced by 8 pm.