BNP-Jamaat-BAL leaders who led RUCSU

As Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) election approaches after 35 years, students are abuzz with excitement. The much-awaited polls, set for tomorrow, have sparked hopes for fresh leadership. RUCSU is not just a platform for student rights; it has historically nurtured national politics.

From the 1960s to 1980s, many RUCSU leaders rose to prominence in mainstream politics. The first election in 1956-57 was as Rajshahi University Students Union (RUSU). In 1962, it became RUCSU, holding 16 elections—the last in 1990.

Here are some who emerged from RUCSU and later shaped national politics:

1. Abu Sayeed RUCSU VP in 1965-66, Abu Sayeed was active pre-independence. Post-1971, he served as Information State Minister and parliament member.
2. Nurul Islam Thandu VP in 1973-74, he later became a member of Awami League's central executive committee and MP candidate in his area.
3. Fazlur Rahman Potol VP in 1974-75, this BNP leader was elected parliament member and prominent in student politics.
4. Shamsul Haq Tuku GS in the 1970s, now an Awami League leader, he served as parliament member and former State Minister for Home Affairs.
5. Fazle Hossain Badsha VP in 1980-81, a Workers' Party stalwart, he is now general secretary and contested elections with Awami League coalition.
6. Ruhul Kabir Rizvi VP in 1989-90, he led BNP's student wing, and is currently senior joint general secretary and spokesperson.
7. Ruhul Quddus Babu GS in 1990, he joined Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) politics.
8. Nurul Islam Bulbul GS of Shaheed Shamsuzzoha Hall in 1990, he led Islami Chhatra Shibir's central parliament, and is now Jamaat-e-Islami's Dhaka South City Amir, central executive council member, and Chapainawabganj-3 parliamentary candidate.

Students say RUCSU's revival will foster democracy and nurture future leaders. Law student Majidul Islam said, “RUCSU has national appeal. It has shaped politics before; it could again, producing leaders for student rights, social-cultural activities, and long-term political outcomes.”

The election features 305 candidates for 23 RUCSU posts, 58 for 5 Senate student representatives, and 555 for 255 hall positions. Total voters: 28,900, with 39.1 percent women and 6.9 percent male. 51 polling officers will oversee.

51 candidates in 10 panels, including full panels from Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir, and others like 'Democratic Student Council' (left-wing), 'RUCSU for Radical Change' (Chhatra Adhikar Parishad & Federation), 'Conscious Student Council' (Islami Chhatra Andolan), 'Invincible 71, Unstoppable 24' (Chhatra Union faction), 'Anti-Hegemony Unity' (former convenors), 'Universal Student Union' (female VP-led), 'Independent Student Alliance', and 'Student Alliance for Victory'.

Voting runs from 9:00am to 4:00pm across 9 academic buildings and 17 centres.

Election Commissioner Mostafa Kamal Akand said, “Lessons from DU and JU's experiences guide us to prevent disruptions. We'll publish accurate results quickly. Counting starts at 5:00pm; results within 17 hours max.”