Ashiqur Rahman, running for the General Secretary position of DUCSU, has started his campaign in a distinct and unconventional manner. Although formal campaigning has not yet started, he shared his campaign poster on Facebook. The poster shows Ashiqur wearing sunglasses, holding a lighter, and a lit cigarette in his mouth. This image has quickly spread across social media. On Wednesday, Ashiq shared the poster from his own Facebook account.
Mixed Reactions from Students
While Ashiqur’s campaign has generated discussion, many students view it negatively. They believe such a style is not appropriate for a candidate at a university.
In his Facebook post, Ashiq wrote:
“I declare war on my faculties. Why should I sit through hours of boring lectures for just 5 marks? Better results can be achieved without attending classes. Full marks should be given for 70-75% attendance, and even 50% attendance should allow taking exams. Does QS rank matter at all? No one should try to rise stepping on our shoulders. Students’ interests come first.”
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Focus on Real Student Issues
Ashiqur emphasized practical student issues in his campaign:
“The reality is, as a member, no one has the real opportunity to bring change. They can only maximize pressure. You identify the problems. I am the representative. You will tell me the problems, and it is my duty to pressure and negotiate with the authorities. My job is to handle that. Your job is to relax on the sofa. But usually, it is the other way around. Leaders find the problems, and ordinary students suffer in protests.”
Campus Safety and Inclusivity Plans
Ashiqur’s plans include campus safety, especially for women, and ensuring a culture of inclusivity:
“I will work on building hostels or converting existing buildings for women’s safety, commuting, and housing issues. I will ensure the campus is not used as a parking lot or urination spot for outsiders, restrict noise pollution from meetings and rallies in academic areas, and allow events near the Raju sculpture only with administration approval.”
He also highlighted inclusivity:
“There will be Quran recitations, literature and cultural activities, and concerts at Dhaka University. No one’s religious feelings will be hurt. Additionally, there will be competitions like anime cosplay and drone-making events.”
Commitment to Transparency
Ashiqur Rahman stressed financial honesty and accountability:
“Financial honesty: Investment is made by those expecting profit. I have no investment here, so no profit either. My friends know I am an accountable person. Even on July 17, on the day of hall capture, I did not take anything as spoils, unlike others breaking bike locks.”
Why He Wants Votes and What Could Go Wrong
Ashiqur Rahman shared why students should vote for him and potential pitfalls:
“There are no scandals against him, no brotherhood issues, instead he has strategic skills. He wants to work as a political officer rather than a traditional leader. The GS job is basically the same. So I am essentially the ‘Wartime Consigliere’ from the Godfather.”
He also cautioned:
“Since I cannot tolerate injustice at all, if other members engage in misconduct or commission fraud, I will expose them.”
Generation Z Style Campaign
Ashiqur addressed criticisms about his poster:
“Many object to my poster. But if I backed down fearing losing two votes, I would not respect myself. My poster and campaign will be entirely in ‘Gen Z’ style.”
Source: TDC
