VC of Rajshahi University (RU) Professor Saleh Hassan Naquib addressed a press conference at the RU Senate Bhaban. Photo : Collected

 
RAJSHAHI, Oct 12, 2025 (BSS)- Vice-chancellor (VC) of Rajshahi University 
(RU) Professor Saleh Hassan Naquib has categorically said holding the polls 
of the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) successfully is 
now on the top priority of their present administration.

"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.