Forming ‘opposition union’ will make Ducsu work better

If elected, Mahin Sarkar, general secretary candidate of the independent panel "DU First" in the upcoming Ducsu elections, has pledged to form a shadow opposition union with defeated candidates, which may serve as a pressure group to make the student body more effective.

In an interview with The Daily Star, Mahin, a former coordinator of Students Against Discrimination, blamed the absence of such pressure bodies for Ducsu's ineffectiveness.

He said, "I think past Ducsus were ineffective as they could not fulfil students' expectations. Candidates are making the same promises they made in 2019, proving that no real work has been done. This happened because there was no opposition union. If elected, I will establish one with the defeated candidates, ensuring an all-party structure to reform student politics."

Mahin said students had witnessed his contribution during the July uprising.

"I want to restructure student politics by somewhat minimising it. Since my first year, I have observed students' problems. As I live in the hall, I have first-hand experience of the issues, and I also know the problems non-residential students face. I want to work on these, and that's why I am contesting the election," he said.

Mahin added, "I want to initiate whatever is needed to build an ideal nation, starting from Dhaka University. My goal is to ensure equal opportunities for all students regardless of gender, religion, or caste. Whenever needed, I will serve as the voice of the students."

On the election atmosphere, Mahin expressed concern: "The environment is not entirely satisfactory. Many have violated the code of conduct, yet the administration has taken no action. This has made larger political groups reckless. I think the level playing field has not been ensured. Still, I trust students to vote for the deserving candidate."

Expressing optimism about his chances, Mahin added, "I have always worked for students, and they know me well. I have not made flashy promises but realistic ones. I believe students will choose a candidate who offers practical solutions."

Mahin Sarkar was previously the joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP). The party expelled him after he fielded a panel in the Ducsu election without its approval.