9 panels remain in Rucsu election battle

A total of nine panels have so far been announced to contest the upcoming elections to the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (Rucsu), Hall Councils, and Student Representatives to the Senate, scheduled to be held on 25 September.

Of the nine panels, six are supported by political parties, one is led by three former coordinators of the anti-discrimination students' movement, while the remaining two are independent.

The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has announced a 23-member panel for the polls. Similarly, Sammilita Shikkharthi Jote has also announced a 23-member panel.

According to RU sources, the nine panels - JCD , Sammilita Shikkharthi Jote , Sarbajanin , Shikkharthi Sangsad , Adhipatyabirodhi Oikya , Gonotantrik Shikkharthi Parishad, RUCSU for Radical Change Sachetan Shikkharthi Sangsad, Aprotirodhya-24, and Swatantra Shikkharthi Jote.

From the JCD panel, Sheikh Nur Uddin Abir, Nafiul Jibon, and Jahin Biswash Esha are contesting for the posts of Vice President (VP), General Secretary (GS), and Assistant General Secretary (AGS), respectively.

From the Sammilita Shikkharthi Jote, Mustakur Rahman Jahidi (VP), Fazley Rabbi Muhammad Fahim Reja (GS), and SM Salman Rabbi (AGS) are participating.

Tasin Khan (VP), Rajan Al Ahmed (GS), and Mahair Islam (AGS) are contesting from the Sarbajanin Shikkharthi Sangsad panel.

Mehedi Sajib (VP), Salauddin Ammar (GS), and Akil Bin Taleb (AGS) are contesting from the Adhipatyabirodhi Oikya panel.

Fuhad Ratul (VP), Kaosar Ahmed (GS), and Nasim Sarker (AGS) are candidates from the Gonotantrik Shikkharthi Parishad.

Rucsu for Radical Change panel features Mehedi Maruf (VP), Afrin Jahan (GS), and Al Shahriar Shubho (AGS).

Sachetan Shikkharthi Sangsad has nominated Mahbub Alam (VP), Shariful Islam (GS), and Parvej Akanda (AGS).

From Aprotirodhya-24, Masud Kibria (VP), Poroma Paramita (GS), and Sanjida Parveen (AGS) are contesting.

Swatantra Shikkharthi Jote panel includes Tawhidul Islam (VP), Nusrat Jahan (GS), and Zannat Ara Nawshin (AGS).

The Rucsu election marks a historic return to student representation at Rajshahi University after a 35-year hiatus.

As per the revised election schedule, nomination papers were distributed until 3 September, and submissions were received from 4 to 7 September. Scrutiny took place on 8 and 9 September.

The preliminary list of candidates was published on 10 September, with objections reviewed and disposed of on September 11. Today (13 September) is the last date for withdrawal of nominations, and the final list of candidates will be published tomorrow (14 September).

Polling will be held in the university's academic buildings from 9am to 4pm on 25 September.

Preparations for the long-awaited election are underway in full swing, creating a festive and enthusiastic atmosphere across the campus.