Evidence Type: DUCSU Constitution (1953, revised)
Source: Internal policy document  http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/act-447/section-7314.html).

 

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) is an autonomous, elected body representing all full-time students. DUCSU operates under its own constitution, with an executive committee of 28 elected members. The Vice-Chancellor serves as President, while a faculty member acts as Treasurer.

Key Provisions:

• Membership: All full-time undergraduate and graduate students are members.
• Functions: DUCSU organizes debates, publications, and welfare programs, fostering civic engagement and leadership.
• Representation: DUCSU nominates 5 members to the University Senate, integrating student perspectives into top-level governance.

Through its democratic functions and independent management, DUCSU reinforces student rights and institutional inclusivity, embodying SDG 16 principles.

 

The University of Dhaka officially recognizes the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) as an independent student body with constitutional authority to represent the student community in University governance. Established in 1923 and restructured in 1953, DUCSU operates under its own constitution, which reflect democratic values and student autonomy.

DUCSU's executive body comprises 28 elected student representatives, including the Vice President (VP), General Secretary (GS), Assistant General Secretary (AGS), and other secretarial positions. The Vice-Chancellor of the university serves as the President of the Union, while a faculty member acts as the Treasurer.

Key features of DUCSU include:

• Membership: All full-time students of the University — including undergraduate, Master’s, and M.Phil. students attached to any hall of residence — are automatically members of the Union (vide DUCSU Constitution, Part 1, Section 4(b–e)).

[DUCSU Constitution (Part-1)

Section 4. Membership, eligibility to be a voter and eligibility to be a candidate

(a)All students of the University, as defined in clauses 4(b) to 4(e), shall be members of the University Students’ Union.

(b)Dhaka University Students for the purpose of the election of the students’ union shall mean and include all full-time students who have been admitted into the 1^st year of undergraduate degrees through entrance examinations and are pursuing either their undergraduate degrees, Master(s)/ M.Phil. degree(s) offered by the University of Dhaka who are resident in or attached to any Hall of Residence and for whom teaching is provided directly by the University.

(c)Only students fulfilling the criterion mentioned in clause 4(b) shall be voters.

(d)Students pursuing Evening Courses (MBA, EMBA, M.Ed. etc.), Professional/ Executive/ Special Masters/ Courses, Ph.D., DBA or equivalent courses, Diploma and Certificate Courses, Language Courses and such other courses are not eligible to be voters.

(e)Students of the affiliated and constituent colleges and institutes are not eligible to be voters.]

• Elected Representation: Both undergraduate and graduate students have the right to stand for elections and vote in DUCSU polls. The Union democratically elects its Executive Committee and office bearers, including a separate Treasurer, ensuring independent financial management.
• Autonomous Functions: DUCSU manages its own affairs independently, such as maintaining common rooms, providing indoor games, organizing debates, cultural programs, publications, and social welfare initiatives (vide DUCSU Constitution, Part 1, Section 3(a–i)).

[DUCSU Constitution (Part-1)

Section 3. Functions

(a)The students union shall always strive for the preservation and protection of the rights of the students of the University of Dhaka.

(b)The Union shall maintain Common Rooms and provide indoor games, dailies and periodicals for the use of the members;

(c)Publish a journal at least once a year and such other bulletins, magazines or papers as may be decided by the Executive Committee and approved by the President;

(d)Arrange debates, and other cultural events from time to time, lectures on subjects of general interest and organize social gatherings as often as possible;

(e)Arrange competitions in speeches, debates, recitations, essays and indoor games amongst the members of the Union once a session. The competitions may be open to the students of other Universities and other educational institutions;

(f)If possible, send representatives to Inter-University debates and educational conferences;

(g)May either send representatives to, or invite representatives of other Universities for the purpose of debate competitions, conferences and similar programs;

(h)Foster the spirit of social service among the members of the Union by encouraging social service activities and organizing welfare lectures, demonstrations and exhibitions and maintaining, if possible, schools; and

(i)Perform such functions as the Executive Committee may from time to time decide, subject to the approval of the President.The Union shall maintain Common Rooms and provide indoor games, dailies and periodicals for the use of the members.]

• DUCSU nominates five student representatives to the University Senate, thereby integrating student perspectives into the highest decision-making body (vide Article 20(1)(l) of the Dhaka University Order, 1973 - http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/act-447/section-7314.html).

 

The Union actively engages students in leadership, civic responsibility, and social service activities. It publishes a journal at least once a year, arranges inter-university debates, lectures, and competitions in speeches, essays, and indoor games. Through these independent initiatives, DUCSU fosters a democratic culture and strengthens student participation across all facets of University life.

DUCSU continues to serve as a platform for student representation, advocacy, and participation in university governance, aligning with the principles of SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.