Rajshahi University is set to hold its long-awaited Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) election tomorrow, marking the first such vote in 35 years. The campus is abuzz with excitement and political energy as students prepare to cast their ballots in a historic election expected to see fierce competition for the top three positions—Vice President (VP), General Secretary (GS), and Assistant General Secretary (AGS).Unlike the 1990 election, which was dominated by the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), this year’s field appears wide open, with no single panel or candidate holding a clear lead. The contest promises to be unpredictable and closely fought.
A Charged Political Atmosphere
Campaigning has officially ended, but discussions among students continue to intensify over who will emerge as the new student leaders. A total of 11 full or partial panels and several independent candidates are contesting this election.
Voting will be held Thursday (October 16) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. across 17 centers in nine academic buildings, with results to be announced later in the evening at the Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium.
Vice President (VP) Race
The VP contest is shaping up to be a neck-and-neck fight between Mostaqur Rahman Zahid, backed by Islami Chhatra Shibir, and Sheikh Nur Uddin Abir, supported by the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD). Both have run strong, organized campaigns. Left-leaning candidate Fuad Ratul and Mehedi Maruf from the Chhatra Adhikar panel are also drawing attention, making the VP race one of the tightest in the field.
General Secretary (GS) Race
The GS position is seeing a three-way contest among Fahim Reza (Shibir-backed), Salauddin Ammar (former coordination leader), and Nafiu Islam Jibon (JCD-backed). Each has demonstrated significant organizational strength, leaving the outcome uncertain until the final count.
Assistant General Secretary (AGS) Race
The AGS post has also become heated, with Jaheen Biswas Esha (JCD-backed) and Salman Sabbir (Shibir-backed) emerging as strong contenders. The high-stakes competition across all three top positions is expected to draw a large turnout and long queues at the polling centers.
Candidates and Voter Information
According to the RUCSU Election Commission, 247 candidates are vying for 23 posts. Of these, 18 are contesting for VP, 13 for GS, and 16 for AGS. In addition, 58 candidates are running for five student representative posts in the university senate, while 597 candidates are contesting for 15 hall-level positions in 17 dormitories.
The total number of registered voters stands at 28,901, including 11,305 female and 17,596 male students. Each voter will cast 43 votes—23 for RUCSU, 5 for the Senate, and 15 for the Hall Union.
To accommodate the large electorate, 17 centers with 990 booths have been set up, each equipped with six color-coded ballot boxes and scanning machines under CCTV surveillance.
Campus Preparations and Security
A visit to the campus shows that polling booths have been fully prepared using white cloth, bamboo, and wood. Booths are located in academic buildings including Shaheed Hossain Siraji, Zuberi, and Rabindra Bhaban. Security has been tightened, and CCTV cameras have been installed in every booth.
The entire campus has transformed into an election arena with posters, banners, and vibrant campaigning. Candidates from Shibir, JCD, and independent panels have engaged directly with students. Female candidates have been visiting women’s dormitories, listening to students’ concerns and promoting their platforms.
Student Voices
Nasimul Muhit Ifat, a student, said: “After 35 long years, RUCSU is finally holding an election. The JCD- and Shibir-backed panels seem to have stronger organizational bases.”
Fariha Islam Mim, another student, remarked: “Voting is our democratic right. Although JCD and Shibir candidates dominate discussions, independent candidates also deserve attention.”
Papia Akter from the Mass Communication Department noted: “Independent candidates bring fresh perspectives and are talking about student issues beyond political influence.”
Siam, a Political Science student, said: “The JCD-backed panel has conducted a well-structured campaign, particularly in the VP and AGS races.”
Election Commission and Oversight
Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. F. Nazrul Islam stated that voting will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ballot boxes will be sealed at 8:30 a.m. in the presence of media representatives and candidates. No one will be allowed to enter polling centers after 4 p.m., and results will be announced the same evening.
He emphasized that all necessary preparations have been made to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and participatory election. “This election is not just a vote—it’s an opportunity to revive democratic practice, leadership development, and a sense of responsibility among students,” he said.
Professor Nazrul also called on the media to act responsibly, saying: “Transparency and peace depend greatly on fair media coverage. We expect journalists to perform their duties in a positive and impartial manner.”
Outlook
With Shibir and JCD-backed panels focusing on direct voter engagement and independents pledging student-centered leadership, tomorrow’s RUCSU election promises to be one of the most competitive, unpredictable, and energetic student elections in the university’s history.