RUCSU Election Heats Up as Nomination Deadline Nears

With the nomination process for the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) election set to conclude tomorrow, Sunday, August 31, 2025, election fervor has gripped the campus. The election commission’s four schedule revisions and two changes to the polling date—now set for September 25—have raised questions about its credibility and impartiality, fueling doubts among students about a fair election. Concurrently, mandatory dope tests for candidates are underway, a historic first for RUCSU.

Despite political disinterest following the July-August 2024 mass uprising, campus political activity has resurged, with students actively engaging in the election process.

595 Candidates Collect Nominations in Five Days

Over five days, 595 candidates have collected nomination forms, according to the election commission. For RUCSU’s 23 central posts, 199 candidates have applied, while 26 have taken forms for the Senate’s five posts. Additionally, 370 candidates have collected forms for various hall union posts, per the provost council. Previously, 558 candidates had collected forms over four days. The nomination distribution deadline, originally set for August 26, was extended to August 31 after a decision announced by the Chief Election Commissioner during a press conference on August 26 at 4:45 PM.

The Chief Election Commissioner explained, “The decision to shift polling centers to academic buildings, the change in the chief commissioner, and the need for 4-5 days for dope tests prompted the extension of the nomination period to ensure broader participation.”

Schedule Revisions Spark Controversy

The commission’s repeated changes—four schedule revisions and two polling date shifts within 18.5 and 9 hours—have caused confusion and criticism. Initially, nomination distribution was to start on August 17, but was postponed the previous night. A new schedule is set for August 24-26, extended to August 31 after an emergency meeting. On August 27, the commission announced September 28 as the polling date, but facing student protests over its clash with Durga Puja, revised it to September 25 after an evening meeting. These shifts have led to allegations of conspiracy and doubts about a fair election.

RU Chhatra Shibir’s Secretary, Mujahid Faisal, stated, “Ignoring students’ sentiments, the commission changed the date. A fair election is not possible under this commission.”

Historic Dope Test Requirement

For the first time, dope tests are mandatory for RUCSU, hall unions, and Senate candidates. Sample collection began on August 28 at the RU Medical Centre, with 87 samples collected by noon, funded by the commission. A positive result will disqualify candidates. The process spans two days for RUCSU and Senate candidates and four days for hall unions. The Chief Election Commissioner noted, “Candidates will receive dope test reports within one or two days, to be submitted with nomination forms.”

Student Organizations Gear Up

Major student organizations are finalizing panels, with formal announcements expected post-nomination submission. Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal collected 25 nomination forms—23 for RUCSU central posts and 2 for Senate posts. RU Chhatra Dal President Sultan Ahmed Rahi said, “We’ve instructed our members to collect forms within the deadline. A full panel will be announced as per central directives.”

Chhatra Shibir’s Organizing Secretary Hafiz Mehedi Hasan reported 217 candidates from their inclusive panel for RUCSU and hall unions, with an official panel announcement soon.

The Democratic Student Alliance, comprising six left-leaning groups, has fielded 28 candidates. Socialist Students’ Front Convener Fuad Ratul noted ongoing discussions with other groups for a united front, with a panel to be announced via a press conference after nomination submission.

Independent Candidates Lead

Independent candidates dominate, collecting the majority of the 199 forms for RUCSU’s 23 posts. Other major organizations, except Chhatra Dal, show less activity for central posts. Independent AGS candidate Sajibur Rahman said, “My nomination represents ordinary students, beyond party lines.” Nisha Akter, the first female independent candidate for Women’s Affairs Secretary, added, “I aim to encourage female participation, ensuring a safe campus, women’s security, and housing.”