Campaigns for the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) election has entered its fourth day on Thursday as a festive atmosphere prevails in the campus for the election scheduled for September 25.
The election is being held after 35 years and the academic buildings, dormitories, and popular hangout spots remain abuzz with vibrant campaigns from early morning until late at night. Candidates, accompanied by their supporters, are seen reaching out to students, exchanging greetings, and distributing leaflets and handbills.
According to the electoral code of conduct, campaigning is permitted from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, beginning from the day of final candidate announcement until 24 hours before the polling.
On a visit to the campus, this correspondent observed candidates exploring diverse means to attract student's attention. Beyond leaflets, many are leveraging social media platforms, releasing engaging campaign videos to appeal to voters.
The presence of candidates was noticeable across different corners of the campus, including TSC, Shaheed Minar, Faculty of Fine Arts, Agriculture Faculty, Transport Market, and the Ibn-e-Haytham Science Building. Among them, Fahim Reza, the general secretary (GS) candidate from Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed Sammilito Chhatro Jote panel, was seen campaigning in Amtola, Rabindranath Tagore Academic Building premises, and Tukitaki Chattar. Vice president (VP) aspirant Mostakur Rahman Zahid, AGS candidate Jahin Biswas Esha from Chhatra Dal-backed Oikkoboddho Notun Projonmo, as well as candidates from the left-backed Gonotantrik Chhatro Parishad and independent contestants, were also actively seeking votes.
GS candidate Fahim Reza said, "We were initially worried about the timing of the election, given that the Durga Puja vacation begins just after polling. But seeing the overwhelming interest among students, our concerns have faded. We now expect nearly 80 per cent voter turnout. Students, including freshers, are warmly welcoming us, which has added to the excitement."
He further added, "For the last 15 years under fascist regimes, students were deprived of voting rights. Many will be casting their first-ever ballot in this RUCSU election, which is a joyous moment for us. The biggest crisis on campus is accommodation - only 36 per cent of students currently get hostel facilities. Our first mandate will be to ensure full residential facilities along with stipends for non-residential students."
Meanwhile, Fuad Ratul, the VP candidate from Gonotantrik Chhatro Parishad, said, "Since the beginning of the campaign, we have seen immense enthusiasm. Students are eagerly receiving leaflets, recognising our long struggle, and assuring us of their support. Despite having limited manpower, we have always voiced the concerns of students, and they appreciate that."
However, Ratul expressed concern about turnout due to timing. "The non-academic staff will begin their strike on September 21, while voting is set for the 25th. Soon after comes the Puja holiday. These factors may affect student participation," he added.
