Campaign kicks off officially

RU CORRESPONDENT

The campaign for the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) and Senate student representative elections began on Monday, following the publication of the final candidate list on Sunday evening at the university's Senate Building.

A total of 14 contenders have withdrawn from the race, including 11 from RUCSU and three from the Senate. Chief Election Commissioner Prof Nazrul Islam confirmed it.

So far, nine panels have announced their participation in the polls. Apart from Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir, no other organisation or independent alliance has managed to present a full-fledged panel. The elections will be held on September 25 across academic buildings, with vote counting and result announcements scheduled for the same day from 9 AM to 4 PM.

According to the commission's latest data, 20 candidates will vie for the vice president (VP) post, 14 for general secretary (GS), and 16 for Assistant General Secretary. The declared panels include Chhatra Dal-backed Abir-Jibon-Esha Parishad, Shibir-supported Combined Student Alliance, RUCSU for Radical Change, Democratic Students' Council, Aparajeyo 71, Apratirodhyo 24, Anti-Hegemony Unity, Sarbojonin Chhatra Sangsad, Conscious Students' Council and the Independent Students' Alliance.

Among the candidates who withdrew, two were contesting for VP, one for GS, one for Sports Secretary, one for Media and Publication (Joint) Secretary, two for Joint Environmental and Social Welfare Secretary, one for Women Affairs Secretary, one for Cultural Secretary, one for Debate Secretary, one for Executive Member, and three for Senate posts.

mahmudbijoyru@gmail.com