The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court will hear on Wednesday, September 3, the appeal against the High Court’s suspension order of the Dhaka University Central Students` Union (DUCSU) elections.

The Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division, Justice Farah Mahbub, on Tuesday, September 2, granted a temporary stay on the High Court`s order that had postponed the DUCSU polls until October 30.

Earlier, she stayed the order till Tuesday morning in response to a petition filed by Dhaka University authorities seeking to overturn the High Court’s decision.

Advocate Mohammad Shishir Manir, Dhaka University’s counsel, presented the application in court.

The High Court had initially suspended the DUCSU elections on September 2, following a petition challenging the candidacy of SM Farhad. The petition was filed by BM Fahmida Alam, a candidate from the Left Alliance-nominated `Aparajeya 71` and `Adamya 24` panel, contesting Farhad`s eligibility in the polls scheduled for September 9.

Despite the legal challenges, election preparations are underway under a previously announced schedule that sets voting for DUCSU leadership positions on September 9.

Multiple student organisations, including Jatiyatbadi Chhatra Dal, Islami Chhatra Shibir, the Democratic Chhatra Sangsad, and various leftist groups, have formed separate panels for the election. A total of around 10 panels, full and partial, have been registered.

A total of 471 candidates are vying for 28 central executive posts in the DUCSU election, including 62 female candidates. The post of general secretary has drawn the highest number of contenders, with 217 candidates. Additionally, 1,035 candidates are contesting 13 hall-level positions across 18 residential halls of Dhaka University.

The Appellate Division’s full bench is expected to deliver a decisive ruling following Wednesday’s hearing, which may determine whether the elections proceed as originally scheduled