Umama Fatema, an independent candidate for vice president in the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election, has praised the strong presence of female voters while also voicing concerns over irregularities at polling centres.

Speaking to reporters after casting her vote at the Geology Department centre on Tuesday (Sept 9), Fatema said she was optimistic about her chances. 

“The presence of women voters has been a source of inspiration. The voting environment is good overall, though there are many instances of mismanagement,” she added.

She alleged that certain groups had instructed their supporters to delay the voting process to frustrate general voters. 

“We demand that all voters be allowed to cast their ballots and leave the centres at the same time, without such tactics to cause inconvenience,” she said.

Fatema further accused several candidates of breaching the election code by approaching voters within the 100-yard restricted zone around polling stations. “We informed the Election Commission about these violations, but no action has been taken,” she claimed.

She also pointed to confusion arising from the deployment of polling agents. “In some cases, agents appointed for one centre were placed in another, creating unnecessary complications,” she added.

SMS/