The Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and the Bangladesh Democratic Student Council (BAGCHAS) have announced they will not field candidates for the Research and Publication Secretary post in the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, as a mark of respect to Sanjida Ahmed Tonni.
Tonni, a student of Clinical Psychology and a resident of Rokeya Hall (2019–20 session), came into the national spotlight after being brutally injured in a Chhatra League attack on July 15, 2024. The image of her bloodied face and broken glasses went viral on social media, fueling the July Uprising and intensifying student protests against authoritarian rule.
On Saturday, Tonni herself declared her candidacy for the DUCSU post. Following this, both JCD and BAGSAS stated that they would not nominate contenders for the same position, acknowledging her sacrifice and role in the student movement.
Speaking at the unveiling of JCD’s DUCSU panel at Aparajeyo Bangla on Wednesday, JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib said:
“Tonni’s bloodied face on July 15 shook the entire nation. In recognition of her sacrifice, we will not field any candidate against her.”
BAGCHAS also echoed the same stance, declaring that they too would refrain from contesting the post as a gesture of respect.
Meanwhile, the Combined Left Alliance and Islami Chhatra Shibir have chosen to put forward their own nominees for the position, leaving the race open but competitive.
