Voting for the Dhaka University Central Students` Union (DUCSU) election is underway in a festive atmosphere, with long queues of students seen at all polling centers.

Voting began simultaneously at all centers at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, September 9, and will continue non-stop until 4:00 PM.

On-site observations show students casting their votes at the university`s eight designated centers (810 booths). Long lines have formed at every center, and they are growing longer as time passes. The line at the TSC center is particularly notable, stretching from the premises out onto the street. Despite the wait, there is no sign of frustration on anyone`s face; everyone appears enthusiastic.

Saima, a student from the Department of Oceanography who was waiting in line, said, "The campus has been in a festive mood for the past few days. I`ve met and spoken with many candidates. There are many qualified candidates. I hope the best candidates win and work to improve the campus."

Torpita Islam, a Psychology student, said, "This is the first time I`m voting in my life, so I came early in the morning. I hope the election is fair."

Rifa Sanjida Priyonti, a History student, commented, "The campus is buzzing with excitement because of the DUCSU election. The voting is peaceful. We want a politics-free campus. I hope the deserving candidates win and implement their manifestos to create a politics-free campus."

Candidates have been visiting the centers since the morning. Two heavyweight VP candidates, Abidul Islam from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal panel and Abu Sadik Kayem from the Chhatra Shibir panel, were present at the Udayan School center early to cast their votes.

GS candidates Tanvir Bari Hamim and Abu Bakr Majumdar also expressed 100% confidence in their victory after voting.

Abu Bakr Majumdar said, "Voting has started in a pleasant atmosphere. We`ve seen long lines of voters at every polling center. We are hopeful that Dhaka University students will choose their qualified leaders."

Abidul Islam said, "After a very long time, a new door to democracy is opening through the DUCSU election, creating an opportunity to exercise the right to vote. Please use your conscience and choose the right leadership."

This year`s election has a total of 39,874 registered voters, with 20,915 male voters and 18,959 female voters.

A total of 471 candidates are competing for 28 positions in the DUCSU election, including 409 male and 62 female candidates. The most anticipated races are for the Vice President (VP) position with 45 candidates, General Secretary (GS) with 19, Assistant General Secretary (AGS) with 25, and Liberation War and Democratic Movement Secretary with 17.

Other positions being contested include Common Room, Reading Room, and Cafeteria Secretary (11 candidates); International Affairs Secretary (14); Literature and Cultural Secretary (19); Science and Technology Secretary (12); Research and Publication Secretary (9); Sports Secretary (13); Transport Secretary (12); Social Welfare Secretary (17); Health and Environment Secretary (15); Human Rights and Law Secretary (11); and Career Development Secretary (15).

Additionally, a maximum of 217 candidates are running for the 13 member positions.