The long-awaited Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) election is finally moving forward, with the verification of nomination papers currently underway following the successful completion of form distribution.
The polls for RUCSU, 17 hall councils, and student representatives to the Senate are scheduled for September 25, marking the first such election since 1989 – a gap of 35 years.
According to university sources, 382 students submitted nomination forms for 23 central RUCSU posts before the deadline on Wednesday. Another 84 collected forms for five positions as Senate representatives, while 754 applied for hall council posts.
Panels representing major student organisations – including Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, Gonotantrick Chhatrajote, Sachetan Shikkarthi Parishad, Adhipatyabadbirodhi Okya, Oparajeo 71, Jagrata 24, and individual groups led by Afrin Jahan, Towhidul Islam, and Nazmus Sakib – together submitted 202 forms.
A significant number of students also entered as independents.
Chief Election Commissioner Professor F Nazrul Islam told BSS that 14 aspirants are vying for Vice President, eight for General Secretary, and 10 for Assistant General Secretary.
For the first time, newly admitted students from the 2024–25 academic session have been included in the voter list, following strong demands from the student community. The timeframe for nomination collection was extended by a day to ensure their participation.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib said the RUCSU constitution had been updated to reflect current realities, and a robust election commission was formed. “Every step has been taken to ensure a fair and effective election,” he said.
Students welcomed the development as a historic opportunity to revive democratic practices on campus. “This isn’t just an election, it’s a platform for representation after decades of absence,” said Sociology student Faria Rahman. Political Science student Anwar Hossain echoed that view, adding, “For years we had no voice. With this election, problems related to academic life, food, and accommodation may finally be addressed.”
RUCSU was established in 1961 to promote student rights and leadership, but no elections have been held since 1989 due to prolonged campus unrest and administrative inaction.
The university administration has promised strict adherence to election rules, from the code of conduct and security arrangements to campaign regulations. Candidates are required to submit negative dope test results to qualify. So far, 847 candidates have provided samples at the RU Medical Centre, with results to be sent directly to the Election Commission.
Campaigning will remain tightly controlled—limited to candidates and five authorised supporters per campaign, with restrictions on activities in classrooms, academic buildings, and residential halls. On election day, entry to the campus will be restricted to teachers, officials, staff, and accredited individuals. Students will need to carry their ID cards, and only those permitted will be allowed in the halls.
“We are working independently and with full transparency. No external pressure will influence this election,” said Chief Election Commissioner Prof Nazrul Islam.
