Propaganda and Posts: DU Poll Candidate Cries Foul
Allegations have emerged that rumors and misinformation are being spread across various Facebook and online groups centering on the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election. Vice President candidate from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Abidul Islam Khan, voiced concern over the issue, claiming that even when truth is posted in response, the posts are being deleted.
He said, “I said yesterday that the president and general secretary of my organization could have run in the DUCSU election if they wished, because they are current students. But based on the aspirations and demands of the university’s students and environment, the candidates were chosen, through voting. Later I saw propaganda being spread in various groups of Dhaka University that I allegedly said the president and general secretary of Chhatra Dal could become VP and GS if they wanted—without any voting. This is deliberate propaganda, and it is a threat to the environment of the university.”
He further said, “We are worried and concerned. They are spreading misinformation at the university, but even if we wanted to, we could not stoop to that level of filth. The posts we are making (in online groups) against these falsehoods are being deleted and not published. The university must immediately and firmly announce a decision on this matter.”
Speaking to reporters after the Friday Jumu’ah prayers at Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah Hall on August 22, Abidul Islam Khan called upon the university administration to take strict measures against such activities.
“Propaganda forces are spreading misinformation and lies, and this must be stopped. Dhaka University students know very well who spread propaganda across campuses after August 5. Who created mobs in the name of banning politics from various organizations? You should analyze and judge these matters,” he said.
He added, “They are making photo cards from behind the scenes—these are entirely distorted and perverse ideas. Please move away from this. No sane person can engage in such slander.”
Abidul Islam Khan also warned that if no legal action is taken against such propaganda, he does not foresee a fair election environment.
