First time in 63 years, RU sees female contestant for VP post

For the first time in its 63-year history, a female student will contest for the Vice President (VP) post in the upcoming Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) election.
On Friday, Tasin Khan, a student of the Institute of Education and Research (IER) under the 2020-21 academic session, formally declared her candidacy, sparking widespread discussion across the campus community.
The long-anticipated RUCSU election is scheduled to take place on 25 September 2025, following a 35-year hiatus since the last polls in 1989.
Speaking to reporters, Tasin Khan candidly reflected on both the hopes and the hurdles she anticipates in the run-up to the election.
"RUCSU was envisioned as a platform for all students, but over the years that hope and potential have eroded. The Election Commission has consistently disregarded the voices of ordinary students, instead succumbing to pressure from political student fronts. Repeated changes to the election schedule, including the fourth alteration of the timetable, only reinforce our anxieties about the fairness of the process," she remarked.
Concerns over Security and Bullying
The aspiring VP candidate also expressed concern about the prevailing election environment on the campus. According to her, the administration has yet to ensure a congenial atmosphere that would allow all candidates and voters to participate freely. "For a woman candidate like me, the challenges are even greater. Cyberbullying and harassment remain unchecked, while no concrete measures have been taken to safeguard not only the candidates but also the voters. This is deeply frustrating," she added. Highlighting her humble background, Tasin noted: "I come from a very ordinary family. I don't have organisational backing, I don't have massive funding, nor do I have an army of campaign workers. Yet simply because I am a woman candidate, I anticipate being subjected to harassment, bullying, and unpleasant incidents more than my male counterparts."
Despite these barriers, Tasin insists she is undeterred. "I have decided to fight against all odds. In July, I had a near-death experience, which taught me that fear has little power over me. Let's see how far I can go," she said with determination.
Focus on Campaign and Vision
While discussing her electoral prospects, Tasin Khan refrained from making bold claims about victory. "I am optimistic. If students consider my activities, manifesto, and initiatives meaningful, they will vote for me. I am focusing on my work, not on equations of winning or losing. Even if I am not elected, I will continue my campus-based development activities. If I do win, I will, God willing, be able to make a more meaningful contribution."
A Break with Tradition
RUCSU, established in 1962, held 14 elections up to 1989, but none featured a female VP candidate.
The RUCSU election is distinctive this time not only for its return after three and a half decades but also for unprecedented gender representation.
According to campus sources, apart from Tasin, several other women have expressed interest in running for different central committee posts, but she remains the first to contest for the vice president position.Observers note that her candidacy carries symbolic weight in a traditionally male-dominated student political arena.

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