RUCSU election is on the top of priorities: VC

"Holding election of the student body will be much easier if all the teachers, students, officers and employees come together," he said today, while addressing a press conference at the RU Senate Bhaban ahead of the election scheduled to be held on October 16. 

He also strongly said the election is going to be held after overcoming all sorts of obstacles and barriers. Election Commission, Returning Officer and candidates are taking preparations wholeheartedly.

"We will restore democratic tradition of the university through making the election successful. We will take the RU forward more," he asserted.

Prof Saleh Hassan Naquib also said the result of the election will be available within 12-15 hours after completing the polling.

He said the election is going to be held after a long gap of 35 years. "We are arranging the election after breaking the deadlock and facing various challenges," he said.
 
All, including the RU administration and students, are eagerly waiting for the election, the VC said, adding: "We are going ahead to attain the cherished goal."
 
"We have ensured a level playing field for the candidates, and the present pace will continue in the future," the VC hoped.
 
The RUCSU began its journey in 1961, aimed at realizing students' rights, fostering leadership development, and providing an organizational platform to discuss issues with the administration.
 
However, no RUCSU election was held after 1989. Student violence, organizational chaos, and the reluctance of the administration were said to be the major reasons behind the deadlock, making the RUCSU ineffective. 

Meanwhile, campaigning for the upcoming election to the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU), Hall Councils, and student representatives to the Senate has gained a peak.

Chief Election Commissioner Prof F. Nazrul Islam said all sorts of necessary preparations have been completed and the election will be held on October 16 peacefully and successfully.
 
A total of 28,905 students, including 17,600 from 11 male halls and 11,305 from six female halls, are eligible to vote in the polls.
 
The election marks the revival of student representation at Rajshahi University after a 35-year gap, and the campus has already taken on a festive atmosphere, particularly in its dormitories and open spaces, as the campaign reaches its peak and preparations continue in full swing.
 
Concerned stakeholders opined that RUCSU is not only a process for electing leadership but also a means of establishing students' opinions and rights.

Chief Returning Officer Prof Setaur Rahman informed that 903 candidates are contesting the elections - 248 for RUCSU, 597 for Hall Councils, and 58 for Senate seats.
 
In the RUCSU election, 18 candidates are vying for Vice-President (VP), 13 for General Secretary (GS), and 16 for Assistant General Secretary (AGS).
 
In the Hall Council polls, 61 are contesting for VP, 58 for GS, and 57 for AGS, while in the six female halls, 16 candidates each are competing for VP and GS, and 15 for AGS.
 
A total of 11 panels are contesting in the RUCSU, Hall Councils, and Senate Representative elections, reports BSS.