Anti-Discrimination Movement coordinators announce panel

RU CORRESPONDENT
A section of former coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and general students' platform on Wednesday announced a new panel under the banner "Anti-Domination Unity" for the upcoming Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) election.
Mehedi Sojib, a student of Social Work (2018-19 session) and former coordinator of anti discrimination students' movement, introduced the panel at a press conference held in front of the RUCSU building and declared his candidacy for vice president (VP).
From the panel, Salahuddin Ammar, a student of Islamic Studies (2021-22 session) and former coordinator of anti discrimination students' movement has been nominated for general secretary (GS), while Aqil Bin Taleb of Law (2019-20 session) will contest for assistant general secretary (AGS).
Alongside them, the panel has put forward a full slate of candidates covering major secretarial positions.
For sports, Yasin Arafat has been named secretary with Monju Arif as his assistant. In the cultural wing, Mahbub Alam Mohon will run as secretary. Women's representation has been highlighted through Hema Akter Eva as women's affairs secretary and Jannatul Ferdousi Trisha as her assistant. The information and research portfolio has been handed to Mohammad Minhajur Rahman, while the media and publication posts will be contested by Fahir Amin and assistant candidate M Shamim.
The science and technology secretary position went to Zakir Hossain, whereas the assistant debate and literature secretary nomination went to Arian Ahmed. For environment and social welfare, Md Ahsan Habib will run as secretary, assisted by Ishita Parvin. The panel has also introduced three executive members: Sajjad Hossain, Ariful Islam, and Habib Himel.
In addition, the panel nominated five candidates as student representatives for the university senate: Mehedi Sojib, Salahuddin Ammar, Aqil Bin Taleb, Zakir Hossain, and Ahsan Habib.
When asked about criticisms that the panel is being dubbed as a "B team" of Islami Chhatra Shibir, GS candidate Ammar strongly rejected the claim. "Even if Mehedi Sojib bhai only announces the panel and goes to sleep, he will still secure more votes than many others," Ammar said. "So, there is no scope to call this Shibir's 'B panel.' They have formed theirs, and we have formed ours. We are determined to give our best in this election."
The panel's entry has added another layer to the competitive landscape of this year's RUCSU polls, where multiple student organisations and alliances are fielding candidates to secure influence in the central body.
Meanwhile, the RUCSU Election Commission (EC) published the preliminary list of candidates on Wednesday, rejecting seven nominations.
Chief Election Commissioner Prof. F. Nazrul Islam made the announcement at the RUCSU treasurer's office at around 5:30 pm.
The rejected candidates are: vice-president (VP) candidate Sagar Ahmed Mia, general secretary (GS) aspirant Ashiqur Rahman, assistant environment and welfare secretary Shahin Alam, assistant science and technology secretary Richards Chakma, executive member Sujon Chandra, and senate member hopefuls Maruf Hossain James and Md Omar Faruq Safin Azmir.
According to the EC, 322 students submitted nominations - 260 for 23 central posts, and 62 for five student representative seats in the senate. With the seven disqualifications, 315 candidates now remain in the race.
Explaining the cancellations, Prof. Nazrul said: "Some failed to submit bank slips, some missed signatures or photos, while others did not provide dope-test reports. These are mandatory. However, the candidates can appeal. If their documents are acceptable, we will reinstate them. Otherwise, the rejection will stand."
The RUCSU election, being held after over three decades, has sparked intense competition among the student organisations.
mahmudbijoyru@gmail.com