Thursday, 28 August, 2025
The Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) election has been rescheduled for the fourth time, following student protests over the initial polling date.
On Wednesday night, Chief Election Commissioner Prof. F Nazrul Islam announced that the election would now be held on September 25, a Thursday. This decision came after the earlier scheduled date of September 28 coincided with Maha Shasthi, the first day of Durga Puja, a significant festival for the Hindu community. Approximately 3,500 Sanatan (Hindu) students are enrolled at Rajshahi University. Dhaka Tribune+1
The change was finalized after an emergency meeting at the RUCSU treasurer’s office, which continued until 9 p.m. Prof. Islam stated, “Since September 28 is Maha Shasthi, a major festival for Sanatan followers, we decided to respect the sentiment and bring the date forward. Students had been protesting over this, and we took the decision considering their demand.”
Earlier in the day, the election commission had set the date for September 28, drawing criticism from students who argued that many would be absent due to the religious observance. In response to the protests, the commission held an emergency meeting and decided to reschedule the election to September 25.
Nomination forms for the RUCSU and Senate student representative elections will be available at the treasurer’s office, while those for hall union polls can be collected from respective hall administrative offices. Voting will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. across all academic buildings, with results to be announced the same day.
This is the fourth time the election date has been changed. The initial date was set for September 15 but was postponed to September 28 following student demands. The latest change aims to accommodate the religious observance and address student concerns.The Business Standard+1
The frequent changes in the election schedule have sparked discussions about the administration's responsiveness to student concerns and the challenges of organizing elections during a busy academic calendar.
The rescheduling of the RUCSU election highlights the ongoing dialogue between university administration and students regarding the timing of campus events and the consideration of cultural and religious practices in academic planning.
As the new election date approaches, students and faculty alike are preparing for the upcoming polls, with hopes that the final schedule will remain unchanged.
Comments
The Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) election has been rescheduled for the fourth time, following student protests over the initial polling date.
On Wednesday night, Chief Election Commissioner Prof. F Nazrul Islam announced that the election would now be held on September 25, a Thursday. This decision came after the earlier scheduled date of September 28 coincided with Maha Shasthi, the first day of Durga Puja, a significant festival for the Hindu community. Approximately 3,500 Sanatan (Hindu) students are enrolled at Rajshahi University. Dhaka Tribune+1
The change was finalized after an emergency meeting at the RUCSU treasurer’s office, which continued until 9 p.m. Prof. Islam stated, “Since September 28 is Maha Shasthi, a major festival for Sanatan followers, we decided to respect the sentiment and bring the date forward. Students had been protesting over this, and we took the decision considering their demand.”
Earlier in the day, the election commission had set the date for September 28, drawing criticism from students who argued that many would be absent due to the religious observance. In response to the protests, the commission held an emergency meeting and decided to reschedule the election to September 25.
Nomination forms for the RUCSU and Senate student representative elections will be available at the treasurer’s office, while those for hall union polls can be collected from respective hall administrative offices. Voting will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. across all academic buildings, with results to be announced the same day.
This is the fourth time the election date has been changed. The initial date was set for September 15 but was postponed to September 28 following student demands. The latest change aims to accommodate the religious observance and address student concerns.The Business Standard+1
The frequent changes in the election schedule have sparked discussions about the administration's responsiveness to student concerns and the challenges of organizing elections during a busy academic calendar.
The rescheduling of the RUCSU election highlights the ongoing dialogue between university administration and students regarding the timing of campus events and the consideration of cultural and religious practices in academic planning.
As the new election date approaches, students and faculty alike are preparing for the upcoming polls, with hopes that the final schedule will remain unchanged.
Comments
