Several candidates from Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Chhatra Shibir-backed panels in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election have alleged cyberattacks on their Facebook accounts.

The Facebook account of JCD-backed vice-president (VP) candidate Abidul Islam Khan was reported disabled on Monday morning. Although it was briefly restored, it was again disabled at noon, according to JCD activists. Similarly, the accounts of general secretary (GS) candidate Tanvir Bari Hamim and assistant general secretary (AGS) candidate Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed were also disabled but later restored.

Speaking on the matter, JCD-backed AGS candidate said, “My account was also disabled. I managed to recover it, but I don’t know how long it will last. Abid bhai and Hamim’s accounts were verified, but mine is not even verified. If anyone thinks we can be defeated this way, they are living in a fool’s paradise. The students of Dhaka University will respond to such cyberattacks and ongoing cyberbullying.”

Chhatra Shibir-backed VP candidate Abu Sadik Kayem’s account was also allegedly disabled, according to Shibir activists. In addition, the account of research and publication secretary candidate Sajjad Hossain Khan was disabled.

Sajjad Hossain said, “My Facebook account was suspended through a cyberattack. Other candidates of our panel are also facing continuous cyberattacks on their accounts.”