DU restricts press access to polling stations

Dhaka University authorities have imposed a restriction on all electronic devices including mobile phones inside the polling centres and live telecast from booths in the election to central students union of the university slated for March 11.
On the day, journalists will be allowed into ‘guestroom’ of polling centre or a specified place upon permission from the returning officer concerned, said a press release of the university issued on Friday.
It said that the decision was made in provosts’ meeting headed by the university’s vice-chancellor Professor Akhtaruzzaman.
The press release also said that the elector must enter the voting centre showing student identity cards before 2:00pm while archways and metal detectors would be set up at every voting centre.
The authorities also assured that special booths would be set up and necessary cooperation would be extended for the visually impaired students.
People from all walks of life have been urged to use alternative routes till 10:00pm on the voting day as traffic on the campus will be restricted.
The instructions will not be applicable to vehicles of people related to the election activities and all classes and examinations of the university will remain suspended for the day.
Chhatra Federation-backed central general secretary candidate Umme Habiba Benozir condemned restriction on press access into the polling stations and said that the authorities were hatching a plot to hold a one-sided poll in favour of a particular student organisation.
Meanwhile, left leaning panel Progressive Students Unity placed their 16-point manifesto pledging to root out hall grabbing and ensure democratic rights of all.
Left platforms convener Iqbal Kabir read out the manifesto at a press conference held at Modhu’s canteen Friday noon.
Aspirants of different student bodies, platforms and individuals are passing hectic time with the polls knocking at the door.
Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal brought out a procession on the campus in the afternoon while Chhatra League conducted electioneering at the university’s central mosque using its microphone violating electoral code of conduct.
In another development, Chhatra League-backed panel general secretary candidate Golam Rabbani’s brother Golam Ruhani, a government job holder, conducted campaign for Rabbani violating electoral code. 
In the DUCSU polls, 21 candidates would vie for the position of vice-president, 14 for general secretary and 13 for the assistant general secretary.
In the polls, 11 students are contesting for the post of liberation war affairs secretary, 9 for science and technology affairs secretary, 9 common room and cafeteria secretary, 13 for international affairs secretary, eight for literature secretary, 12 for cultural secretary, 11 for sports secretary post, 10 for student transport secretary, 15 for social welfare secretary and 88 for the position of members.

News Courtesy: www.newagebd.net