The long-awaited Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (Rucsu) election, held after 35 years, has been marked by serious allegations and counter-allegations from student panels backed by rival political groups.
JCD supported panel accuses Shibir of irregularities
Candidates from the Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) supported ‘Oikoboddho Notun Projonmo’ panel alleged widespread irregularities by the Shibir-backed ‘Sammilito Shikkharthi Jote’.
At a press conference held Thursday afternoon at the university’s Paribahan Market, Vice President (VP) candidate Sheikh Nur Uddin Abir and General Secretary (GS) candidate Nafiul Islam Jibon claimed that outsiders were brought onto campus to influence the vote and that voters were obstructed from casting their ballots.
“We had hoped for a festive and peaceful election, especially after 35 years,” Abir said. “While the morning hours seemed promising, the situation quickly changed.”
He alleged that hundreds of non-students, wearing red jerseys, were allowed to enter the campus through multiple gates, including the Kajla Gate. Abir also claimed that armed supporters linked to Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Islami Shibir were seen near the university area.
GS candidate Jibon pointed to further irregularities, including reports of pre-signed ballot papers at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall and obstruction of voters at several polling centres. He also mentioned “line-jamming”, where voters faced prolonged delays and were allegedly kept from entering polling booths.
When asked whether they would boycott the election, Abir stated that their panel would wait for the final outcome before making any decisions.
Shibir-backed panel blames Election Commission, accuses JCD of rule violations
Meanwhile, the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed ‘Sammilito Shikkharthi Jote’ held a separate press conference in front of the central library around 2pm, where they accused the Election Commission of failing to act on reported violations and of demonstrating bias.
VP candidate Mostakur Rahman Zahid said the election had generally been peaceful, aside from minor incidents, but urged all parties to uphold fairness.
However, GS candidate Fazle Rabbi Fahim Reza listed several alleged violations. He claimed that the indelible ink used during voting was ineffective, fading shortly after application, raising concerns over potential multiple voting. He also said that their supporters were blocked from entering polling centres with permitted materials like campaign notes (chirkut), despite previous assurances from the Commission.
Fazle Rabbi further accused JCD and its allies of distributing campaign materials within restricted zones, within 100 yards of polling centres, and of constructing unauthorised booths in places such as Begum Khaleda Zia Hall, violating the election code of conduct.
He also alleged that JCD, along with members of the BNP and Jubo Dal, had brought in outsiders to the campus and were spreading misinformation online. He specifically mentioned social media posts by JCD leaders claiming that Jamaat-Shibir was conducting arms training and bringing outsiders into the campus, which he dismissed as false propaganda.
“We’re seeing a surge of outsiders on campus due to lax security checks at the gates,” he said. “Yet the administration has remained silent. We call on them to act impartially.”
When asked whether formal complaints were filed, he replied that the university administration had been informed, though no report had been filed with the police. He expressed frustration that no action had been taken, particularly regarding the ink issue.
Regarding the Election Commission’s neutrality, he said, “As long as the Commission acted fairly, we praised them. But if they ignore our complaints, then we have reason to believe bias is at play.”
