Bangladesh, Sept. 1 -- As Dhaka University prepares for the long-awaited elections of its Central Students' Union (DUCSU), candidates are flooding the campus with bold promises.

Some pledge to end the chronic housing crisis. Others vow to make administration "paperless". Still others promise safer campuses and faculty recruitment free from political influence.

For students, the campaign has become a kaleidoscope of aspirations. Yet many question how much of it can actually be delivered.

Under the DUCSU constitution, the union's responsibilities are narrowly defined -- focused on education, co-curricular activities, and coordination with other universities -- leaving sweeping institutional reforms outside its jurisdiction.

Former DUCSU...