FROM PAGE 3

practice, there is no separate Ducsu fund.

“Ducsu’s expenses are covered by the university’s budget allocation. The Ducsu fees collected through admission are not deposited into a separate account but counted as part of the university’s general income,” he told The Daily Star.

Since the university runs on a deficit budget with government funding, he said Ducsu must request money as needed, which will be provided subject to availability.

SM Farhad, general secretary of Ducsu, said they have not yet received any money from the university authorities.

“We are initiating some small programmes on our own, which may be adjusted later,” he said, adding that the university is not accustomed to paying for Ducsu due to its long absence.

He said the process has started but it will take time to set up a proper system to separate Ducsu’s funds.

Former Ducsu vice-president Mahmudur Rahman Manna criticised the current practice, saying the money collected from students in Ducsu’s name belongs solely to the union, not the authorities.

“The authorities should immediately transfer the funds to Ducsu’s account. The university cannot spend this money for other purposes,” he said.

Most newly elected leaders said they were unaware of the funding structure and have so far relied on hall authorities, donations, and sponsorships to begin their activities.

Bangabandhu Hall Union Vice-President Md Muslimur Rahman said, “Our hall administration sent a letter to the central admission office seeking funds, but we heard the money has already been spent elsewhere.”

Surja Sen Hall Union VP Azizul Hoque said, “Since 2019, no budget allocation for the hall unions has been disbursed from the Registrar Building, making it impossible to take even minor initiatives.”

Ducsu VP Abu Shadik Kayem said they will take action after receiving a report from the treasurer. “He has been asked to trace the money,” he added.

Contacted, DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan said, “We are currently reviewing Ducsu’s budget and other financial matters. The new treasurer has been assigned on a priority basis, and I have held urgent meetings with the Accounts Office.”

Despite the fund constraints, an interim budgetary provision has been made to enable Ducsu operations and welfare activities, he added.