RUCSU election campaign has formally begun on Monday. Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Sept 16, 2025 (BSS) - Campaigning for the much-anticipated election to Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU), 17 Hall Councils and Student Representatives to the Senate-2025 has formally begun on Monday last and will continue till September 24.

Candidates and their supporters have been asked to maintain strict compliance with the election code of conduct during the campaign period.

According to the code, campaigning is permitted only between 10 am and 10 pm daily until September 24. Entry of outsiders, other than candidates and registered voters, into electioneering inside the campus remains prohibited.

The guidelines further restrict campaign materials to black-and-white posters sized 60 cm by 45 cm. Wall writing or unauthorized poster display is banned. Loudspeakers may only be used at official introductory meetings of candidates.

Chief Election Commissioner Prof. F. Nazrul Islam warned that any violation of the rules would result in immediate action and offenders would be handed over to law enforcement agencies.

Meanwhile, a total of 903 candidates are contesting the elections, 248 for RUCSU, 597 for 17 Hall Councils and 58 for Senate seats, said Chief Returning Officer Prof. Setaur Rahman.

In the RUCSU polls, 18 aspirants are vying for Vice-President (VP), 13 for General Secretary (GS) and 16 for Assistant General Secretary (AGS).

In Hall Council elections, 61 are running for VP, 58 for GS and 57 for AGS. Among six female halls, 16 candidates are contesting for VP, 16 for GS and 15 for AGS.

On Sunday last, ballot numbers were allocated to candidates through lottery.

A total of 28,905 students including 17,600 from 11 male dormitories and 11,305 from six female dormitories are eligible to vote.

Altogether, eleven panels are in the fray across RUCSU, Hall Councils and Senate elections.

The RUCSU election, scheduled for September 25 from 9 am to 4 pm, marks the revival of student representation at Rajshahi University after a long gap of 35 years. 

Preparations are progressing in full swing, transforming the campus into a vibrant and festive ground of democracy.