Rajshahi University Election Commission has decided to include first-year students in the final voter list for the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) election scheduled for September 25.
The commission has also extended the deadline for distribution of nomination papers by one more day, until today (Wednesday). Chief Election Commissioner Prof E Nazrul Islam announced the decision on Tuesday.
Forms will be available from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Distribution of nomination forms for election in hall unions and senate student representatives also concludes today.
The inclusion of first-year students (2024-25 academic year) in the electoral roll has been a longstanding demand from several student bodies. Since the publication of the draft voter list, the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) staged a series of protests demanding their inclusion. On August 31, Islami Chhatra Shibir expressed their solidarity with the JCD.
In reaction to the development, JCD's RU unit President Sultan Ahmed Rahi said that JCD had always favoured defending student rights. "Through our long movement, sacrifices and determination, we've finally ensured the voting rights of the first-year students. It's not the victory of any individual-it's the victory of every student and every guardian. We are grateful to all students and guardians whose support and courage have caused us to break down the wall of injustice."
Islami Chhatra Shibir President Mostakur Rahman Zahid welcomed the move. "The administration has kept the date of election unchanged while including the first-year students. We thank the authorities for this historic step, which has made everyone's logical movement a success. We also extend our gratitude to all organisations and students -- political, social and rights-based -- who stood in solidarity with this rightful demand."
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