Campaign for the upcoming election to Rajshahi University Central Students Union (RUCSU). Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Sept 19, 2025 (BSS)- Campaign for the upcoming election to Rajshahi University Central Students Union (RUCSU), Hall Councils and student representatives to the senate- 2025 has gained a pick.

The election scheduled to be held on September 25 marks the revival of student representation at Rajshahi University after a 35-year gap, and the campus has already taken on a festive atmosphere as the campaign reaches a peak and preparations continue in full swing. 

A festive mood has been created in the campus, particularly in its dormitories and vacant places, centering the election. Candidates accompanied by their followers are seen exchanging pleasantries with students from morning to early nights. 
 
Many of the students are seen saying RUCSU is not only the process for electing leadership but also establishing their opinions and rights.

"There was no one to help us solve our problems, and we had no way to approach anyone for our academic, food, and accommodation issues," said Faria Rahman, a student of the Department of Sociology. 
 
Anwar Hossain, a student of the Department of Political Sciences, said, "There were organizations of all stakeholders on the campus in the past, but unfortunately students have no representative body. Our problems will be solved through the upcoming election," he hoped.

Campaigning is ongoing and will continue until September 24, from 10 am to 10 pm daily, as per the election code of conduct. Entry of outsiders into the campus for campaigning has been strictly prohibited, Prof Islam added.
 
Election guidelines limit campaign materials to black-and-white posters (60 cm x 45 cm), with wall writing and unauthorized posters strictly banned. Loudspeakers may only be used during officially approved introductory meetings.

Chief Election Commissioner Prof F Nazrul Islam said preparations are underway to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election. He said three-tier security arrangements will be in place with the deployment of at least 2,000 police personnel across the campus.

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

Prof Islam warned that any violation of these rules would result in immediate action, including handing over violators to law enforcement agencies.
 
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 eleven panels are contesting across the RUCSU, Hall Councils, and Senate elections.

RU Vice-Chancellor Prof Saleh Hassan Naquib said the election is being held after a long gap of 35 years. "We are arranging the election after breaking the deadlock and facing various challenges," he said.

 He added that all, including RU administration and students, are eagerly waiting for the election. "We are going ahead to attain the cherished goal," he said.
 
"We have ensured a level playing field for the candidates, and the present pace will continue in future," the VC hoped.

The RUCSU began its journey in 1961, aimed at realising students' rights, fostering leadership development, and providing an organizational platform to discuss with the administration.
 
However, no RUCSU election was held after 1989. Student violence, organizational chaos, and reluctance of the administration were said to be the major reasons behind the deadlock, making the RUCSU ineffective.