Which Way Air is Blowing in Bangladesh's Political Incubator?

DUCSU Election 2025

Background

The July 2024 uprising has opened new ground for data-driven politics in Bangladesh. One key question drives our curiosity: has this movement shaped young people’s democratic expectations? To explore this, we focused on Dhaka University—the incubator of democracy in Bangladesh—through its upcoming Students’ Union election.

Survey Methodology & Sample Overview (N=1176)

Sample Breakdown

Survey Details

Total Students

1176

Face-to-Face

1067

Online Surveys

109

Date

February 2025

Sampling Method: Stratified random sampling

Bias Mitigation Strategy

Neutral Questionnaire Design: Standardized, neutrally worded questions about political platforms.
Survey Protocols: Enumerators trained and monitored for academic neutrality.
Field Validation: Independent researcher validated findings through qualitative observations.
Independent Analysis: Analysts had no personal DU ties, minimizing bias.

Opinions on Student Politics & DU Governance

A large portion of surveyed students express dissatisfaction with both DUCSU and the overall governance of Dhaka University. At the same time, student politics remains relevant—but opinions differ on its form and future.

Do You Want Student Politics on Campus?

DUCSU Structure Satisfaction

DU Governance Satisfaction

How Should Student Politics Committees Be Formed?

Student Voice on DU Leadership & DUCSU Reform

Elected VC under DUCSU? 89% Students want the VC to be elected than appointed. Prefer Senate-only Election? 78% of those who want elected VC, most prefer Senate-based election. DUCSU Empowerment Support: 60% support a more powerful and participatory DUCSU body.

89%

Students want the VC to be elected than appointed

78%

Of those who want elected VC, most prefer Senate-based election

60%

Support a more powerful and participatory DUCSU body.

Key Expectations from DUCSU

This was a multiple-choice question where respondents could select all that apply. Percentages are calculated from the total of 4,838 responses recorded for this question.

Party Preference for DUCSU 2025

The data below reflects individual platform preferences as well as the perceived support for various platforms among a student's known classmates.