Abidul Islam Khan, Vice President (VP) candidate from Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) panel in the upcoming DUCSU elections, has pledged to prioritize student welfare and academic reform.
Representing Kabi Jasim Uddin Hall, Abidul currently serves as Joint General Secretary of JCD DU unit.
In an exclusive interview with The Daily Observer, Abidul outlined his vision for Dhaka University, focusing on urgent student issues; particularly the ongoing housing crisis.
Q: Many say Chhatra Dal has been active in past movements, but remains organizationally chaotic. How will you establish credible leadership?
Abidul: We have built our leadership through internal democratic voting, which is rare in DUCSU history. This ensures legitimacy and accountability. I have also been actively involved in student struggles for years and I will translate that experience into structured, effective policies for the university.
Q: Students see you as a “struggle-oriented” leader; how will you convert that image into effective DUCSU policy?
Abidul: My activism will be reflected in tangible initiatives. The first priority is ending the housing crisis, providing safe accommodation even with temporary arrangements if necessary. Beyond that, we aim to create an academically conducive environment where students can focus on learning without fear or trauma.
Q: Some allege strategic mistakes in your past political career. Can you learn from them and develop new strategies?
Abidul: Every challenge is a learning opportunity. I have reflected on past experiences and have prepared concrete plans to avoid similar pitfalls. Our strategies now are more comprehensive, ensuring that student welfare is at the center.
Q: There is a perception that Chhatra Dal’s party agenda overshadows real student issues. How will you prove your leadership prioritizes students?
Abidul: Our agenda is student-centric. We focus on resolving practical issues like accommodation, quality education and health and safety. For example, we plan to ensure housing for all first-year students, improve mental and physical health services and solve problems in halls and canteens. Our commitment is to students, not politics.
Q: You have spoken about ensuring transparency, accountability and democracy in DUCSU. How will you ensure direct student participation?
Abidul: We will introduce clear participatory processes, such as open consultations and feedback mechanisms for all DUCSU decisions. Students will have real channels to voice concerns and influence policy. Winning DUCSU would amplify these initiatives, but even if we lose, our democratic struggle to secure student rights will continue.
Q: What is your broader vision for Dhaka University?
Abidul: I envision DU as a truly academic, residential university, free from political interference and fear. Teacher recruitment will follow merit, infrastructure issues in halls will be resolved and food quality and safety will be improved. Students should be able to live, study and thrive without trauma.
Summing up his campaign, Abidul declared, “Our message is simple: student welfare and academic excellence must come first. Whether we win or lose, our commitment to the students of Dhaka University remains unwavering.”
SH
