Rajshahi, Oct 15 (V7N) – Campaigning for the long-awaited Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) and Hall Students’ Union elections concluded at midnight on Tuesday, marking the end of a vibrant and competitive electioneering period. The campus remained festive throughout the day as candidates and supporters made their final efforts to reach voters.

Throughout the day and late into the night, candidates and their teams campaigned across residential halls, nearby tea stalls, mess halls, and student accommodations in Binodpur and Kazla areas. Both panel-based and independent candidates conducted face-to-face and online campaigns before the 12 a.m. deadline.

Mostaquar Rahman Zahid, vice-president candidate of the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed Sammilit Shikkharthi Jote panel, said, “We started campaigning early in the morning on the final day. The multiple postponements gave us time to reach almost every student. The excitement is intense since the election is being held after 35 years. We are receiving a positive response, and we believe students will put their trust in our panel.”

Nafiu Islam Jibon, general secretary candidate from the Chhatra Dal-backed Oikkoboddho Notun Projonmo panel, said their team represents inclusivity. “We have athletes, July Movement participants, and students from every background. Despite attempts by some groups and the administration to exclude first-year students, we have included them. We expect a strong result on the 16th.”

In a show of unity, two independent candidates—Merajul Islam of the Law and Land Administration Department and Fazle Rabbi of the Islamic Studies Department—announced their withdrawal to support Zahin Biswas Esha, the assistant general secretary candidate from the Oikkoboddho Notun Projonmo panel. They made the announcement in separate press conferences on Tuesday.

Law enforcement agencies have begun final preparations for election day. A central monitoring booth has been set up near the Senate Building. To ensure security, Rajshahi Metropolitan Police imposed a ban on gatherings and weapons within 200 yards of the campus from midnight on October 14 until midnight on October 17. The directive was signed by Police Commissioner Abu Sufian.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib said, “The election commission is working diligently to ensure a fair and festive election. Three layers of security forces will be deployed along with intelligence teams and the proctorial body. We hope for a peaceful and celebratory election.”

Chief Election Commissioner Professor F. Nazrul Islam stated, “RUCSU is a student election, and our priority is to ensure transparency and discipline. We are prepared to handle any situation with patience and fairness, and we seek everyone’s cooperation for a free and fair election.”

According to the election code of conduct, all campaigning must end 24 hours before polling. Voting will take place on October 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with results expected within 12–15 hours after polls close.

This historic election—being held after 35 years—will see 28,901 registered voters elect representatives for 23 RUCSU posts and 5 Senate student representative seats. A total of 247 candidates are contesting RUCSU positions, including 18 for vice president (VP), 13 for general secretary (GS), and 16 for assistant general secretary (AGS).

Over 10 student panels are contesting, including:
– Oikkoboddho Notun Projonmo, backed by Chhatra Dal
– Sammilit Shikkharthi Jote, supported by Islami Chhatra Shibir
– RUCSU for Radical Change, led by Chhatra Adhikar Parishad and Chhatra Federation
– Adhipotjobad Birodhi Oikya, formed by former coordinators
– Gonotontrik Shikkharthi Parishad, representing the left alliance
– Oporajeyo 71 O Oprotihoto 24, declared by a faction of Bangladesh Chhatra Union
– Sarbojonin Shikkharthi Songshad, led by a former female coordinator
– Sochoton Shikkharthi Parishad, backed by Islami Chhatra Andolon

The campus is now abuzz with anticipation as students prepare to cast their votes in one of the most significant democratic exercises in the university’s history.

END/MRA/SMA/