The final day of nomination paper distribution for the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) Election 2025 was marred by chaos on Sunday. Activists of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) stormed the RUCSU election office, locked it, and vandalised furniture, halting all election activities.
According to eyewitnesses, a group of activists of BNP's student wing, led by its RU unit president Sultan Ahmed Rahi, entered the RUCSU treasurer's office at around 9:00 am, damaged chairs and tables, and locked the office.
Later, the activists staged a sit-in on the premises. Their primary demand was inclusion of the first-year students in the voter list.
Tensions escalated further when former coordinator of RU's Students Against Discrimination (SAD), Salahuddin Ammar, attempted to collect his nomination paper, but was barred by JCD members. Teachers affiliated with the BNP-backed 'White Panel' also arrived at the spot, expressing solidarity with the demand.
Sardar Zohurul Islam, General Secretary of the JCD RU unit, said: "The first-year students have paid their RUCSU fees, yet excluded from the voter list. We have long been demanding abolishing this discrimination. Our programme will continue until the demand is met."
Professor Jahangir Hossain, Chairman of the Department of Folklore and General Secretary of the University Teachers' Association of Bangladesh (UTAB) RU unit, said: "It is unjust to exclude the first-year students and the leaders of anti-autocracy movements from the voter list. Their demand is legitimate."
The standoff sparked repeated clashes between general students and JCD activists throughout the morning. The situation deteriorated further when JCD activists along with Jubo Dal leaders from outside the university entered the scene, drawing anger from students.
Witnesses reported chase-and-counter-chase incidents that created panic on the campus. Several people were injured and were given first aid at the university medical centre. Aggrieved general students eventually forced the outsiders to leave the campus.
After prolonged standoff and protest, the students broke open the locked office of the treasurer. Subsequently, the RUCSU Election Commission resumed distributing nomination papers. The students urged the administration to ensure a safe and non-violent campus ahead of the polls.
"We have resumed nomination distribution. All interested candidates can collect their forms," said RUCSU Treasurer Professor Dr. Setaur Rahman.
RU Proctor Professor Dr. Mahbubur Rahman said: "We have requested both sides to remain tolerant. Efforts are underway to resolve the issue through dialogue. We are committed to ensuring that the election is not hampered."
Professor Dr Md Faridul Islam, a faculty member of the Marketing Department and general secretary of the RU Zia Parishad, also demanded inclusion of the first-year students and the repressed student leaders in the RUCSU election.
In a press release, Prof Faridul alleged that excluding the freshers from the voter list is a clear violation of their rights, as they have already completed admission procedures by paying all fees applicable for RUCSU.
Prof Faridul criticised the RU authorities and Election Commission for their "indifferent role," contrasting it with the Dhaka and Chattogram universities, which have taken some initiatives in this regard.
He further demanded participation of the student leaders, who, despite facing political repression and multiple cases, played a significant role in the anti-fascist movements.
"Without the participation of the first-year students and the repressed student leaders, any election will lack credibility," he added.
The RUCSU polls are slated for September 25.
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