The nomination paper distribution for the long-awaited Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) election has concluded with a staggering 1,233 candidates entering the race.
Of them, 479 candidates collected forms for central and senate posts, while 754 collected for hall union positions, Chief Election Commissioner Prof AF Nazrul Islam announced at a press briefing at the RUCSU treasurer's office on Wednesday night.
For the 23 central posts, a total of 395 nomination papers were collected, alongside 84 for five senate seats. Among the central posts, the race for vice-president (VP) will see 14 candidates, while eight are vying for general secretary (GS). Ten contestants collected forms for assistant general secretary (AGS).
Other breakdowns include: Sports Secretary: 8; Assistant Sports Secretary: 4, Cultural Secretary: 5; Assistant Cultural Secretary: 7, Women's Affairs Secretary: 5; Assistant Women's Affairs Secretary: 4, Research and Information Secretary: 9; Assistant Research and Information Secretary: 5, Media and Publication Secretary: 7; Assistant Media and Publication Secretary: 4, Science and Technology Secretary: 3; Assistant Science and Technology Secretary: 6, Debating and Literary Secretary: 3; Assistant Debating and Literary Secretary: 8, Environment and Social Welfare Secretary: 13; Assistant Environment and Social Welfare Secretary: 11, Executive Members: 51 candidates for 4 seats.
At least 214 candidates are contesting from different political and independent panels. Among them, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal nominated 26, Islami Chhatra Shibir 21, Gonochhatrojote 23, Afrin Jahan-led panel 23, Sacheton Shikkharthi Parishad 15, Odhikarbadi Birodhi Oikkya 21, Oporajeyo 71 Jagroto 13, Touhidul Islam 7, Nazmus Sakib 6, while nine others submitted without any panel affiliation.
Meanwhile, hall union elections have drawn 754 contestants across 15 posts. Of the 17 residential halls, the highest number of nominations came from Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy Hall (62), followed by Motihar (55), Shahid Habibur Rahman (53), Shahid Ziaur Rahman (54), and Shahid Shamsuzzoha Hall (46). Other notable tallies include Sher-e-Bangla Fazlul Huq (50), Shah Makhdum (50), Madar Bux (50), Mannujan (40), Rokeya (30), Taposi Rabeya (38), Begum Khaleda Zia (25), Bijoy-24 (35), Rahmatunnesa (42), and July-36 (42).
Doping tests extended;
The nomination deadline also coincided with the final day for mandatory doping tests, but the election commission extended the submission deadline by one day. On Wednesday alone, samples were collected from 200 candidates, raising the total number of submitted samples to 841 so far.
RU Medical Center Chief Dr Mafruba Siddika Lipi said: "We have already prepared results for the earlier samples. The tests collected today will be submitted to the election commission by Sunday."
Chief Election Commissioner Prof AF Nazrul Islam said: "Nomination distribution has officially ended. There will be no further extensions. However, candidates who submitted forms today will still be able to complete their doping tests tomorrow, with results to be published the following day."
mahmudbijoyru@gmail.com
