On the last day of election campaigning, Pratirodh Parishad’s General Secretary candidate Meghmallar Basu appeared at Madhur Canteen in a wheelchair, making a symbolic return to the Dhaka University campus after days of absence due to illness.
Basu, president of one faction of Bangladesh Students’ Union (Dhaka University unit), was hospitalized on September 1 at Health and Hope Hospital in Panthapath, where he underwent an appendix operation. Against medical advice to rest, he returned to campus Sunday afternoon to join fellow candidates and express gratitude to supporters.
“I was told to stay in bed, but I came back because the street is our oxygen,” Basu said, dismissing criticism that he had deliberately stayed away from campaigning. “We were on the streets during Hasina’s time, and we are on the streets now under Yunus. The streets will remain ours.”
Call to Non-Residential Students
Basu urged non-residential students to come out and vote, saying their participation would be decisive.
“Even if you don’t vote for me, please come to the polling centers on the 9th. Your presence will change the entire equation. Without non-residential students, anti-liberation forces could still secure a post. Don’t let that happen,” he told reporters at a brief press conference.
Acknowledging his inability to campaign across campus due to health issues, Basu said: “I could not reach every student, and I take responsibility for that failure. But if you believe I am the right candidate to carry forward this struggle, don’t deny me your vote just because I couldn’t reach you personally.”
‘Our Struggle Has Already Won’
Basu also claimed that the Pratirodh Parishad has already achieved a symbolic victory.
“Our struggle has forced even the reactionary groups to say that women’s halls must stay open until midnight. That is our win, regardless of Tuesday’s result.”
He warned against outside interference in the election, alleging that BNP and Jamaat leaders were calling students from the districts to influence the polls, while the administration remained silent. Still, he insisted that the best answer would be voter turnout: “Vote with your own will. Just make sure you come to the centers.”
Background
The Pratirodh Parishad, an alliance of seven left-leaning student organizations, is contesting the September 9 DUCSU polls. Former VP of Shamsunnahar Hall, Sheikh Tasnim Afroze Emi, is running for Vice President from the same panel.
