BSS
  13 Oct 2025, 13:38

RUCSU vote counting to use OMR machine

Preparations underway for RUCSU polls using OMR machines after 35 years. Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Oct 13, 2025 (BSS) - The Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) elections, including Hall Council and Senate Student Representative votes, will be counted using a modern Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) machine. 

Apart from this, the entire counting process will be displayed on a giant screen directly in front of the Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium.

Election Commissioner Prof Mostofa Kamal Akanda told BSS that the election will conclude at 4:00 pm. The ballot boxes will then be brought to the auditorium and segregated into 100 bundles based on colours. Each bundle will be inserted into the OMR machine for counting.

He added that an expert team will monitor the entire process. Counting of each hall will be done in three phases. The result processing and scrutiny of all 17 halls is expected to take a maximum of 14 to 16 hours.

Prof Akanda also said the process will be open to all to relieve candidates and students from tension and mental pressure. Working journalists can send their reports from the auditorium directly. "Technology-based initiatives have been adopted to ensure transparency and flawlessness," he added.

The election commission also arranged a daylong training for candidates and polling agents on campus on Sunday.

Chief Election Commissioner Prof F Nazrul Islam said all necessary preparations have been completed, and the election will be held peacefully and successfully on October 16 (Thursday).

After a 35-year gap, the election marks the revival of student representation at Rajshahi University. 

According to the commission, 28,905 students are eligible to vote - 17,600 from 11 male dormitories and 11,305 from six female dormitories. The elections feature 903 candidates: 248 for RUCSU, 597 for Hall Councils, and 58 for Senate seats.