As the much-awaited Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU), hall union, and student senate elections draw closer, electioneering across the campus has transformed into a vibrant festivity.
Candidates are rolling out a variety of unique and eye-catching strategies to attract general students, turning the polls into more than just a contest-it feels like a festival.
From singing songs and dressing up as historical characters to distributing unusually designed leaflets, aspirants are pulling out all the stops.
Vice-president candidate Sheikh Nur Uddin Abir, from the BNP-backed Oikkoboddyo Notun Projonmo panel, has chosen butterfly-shaped leaflets for his campaign. From the same pannel, assistant general secretary candidate Jahin Biswas Esha went for a hand-shaped flyer symbolising her ballot number 'five'. The leaflet even includes bus schedules for students' convenience. Meanwhile, cultural secretary hopeful Abdullah Al Kafi from the same panel took a dramatic route by campaigning in the attire of Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah.
On the other side, Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed Sammilitto Chhatro Jote's cultural secretary candidate Zaid Hasan Joha has drawn attention by dressing as a farmer and singing folk songs.
From the anti-dominance Oikko panel, general secretary aspirant Salauddin Ammar has circulated oversized caricature-style posters, including satirical depictions resembling Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Similarly, joint media secretary candidate Nur-Nabi has added an emotional touch by campaigning alongside his mother.
Independent candidate Kazi Sofiul Kalam (KSK Hridoy) has also stood out, choosing to sing as part of his campaign strategy.
Esha said: "Since there are many ballot numbers to remember, I wanted to try something unique. With five fingers, I've included my manifesto and added useful bus schedules. Students are really appreciating it."
Joha, the cultural secretary candidate dressed as a farmer, noted: "As I'm running for cultural secretary, I wanted to reflect cultural diversity through my campaign. It's both relatable and engaging for students."
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