Age no bar: 51-year-old vies in Rucsu polls

Shahriar Morshed Khan, a 51-year-old student of Mass Communication and Journalism at Rajshahi University, has emerged as both the oldest voter and candidate in the upcoming Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (Rucsu) election.

He collected his nomination form for the post of media and publication secretary from the Rucsu treasurer's office today (3 September).

Besides being the older voter and candidate than most students in the race, the 51-year-old is currently enrolled in the 2020–21 academic session of the Mass Communication and Journalism department.

His elder daughter's husband is also studying at the university in the same session, as a fourth-year student in the Department of Population Science and Human Resource Development.

"I want to move forward with everyone's prayers and support. Since my age has not been a barrier to my studies, it will not be a barrier to contesting the election either," he said, expressing optimism about winning.

Running as an independent candidate, Shahriar pledged to stand by the general students if elected and work for their welfare.

"Just as studying alongside classmates who are the age of my younger brothers or even sons has never been a problem, competing in the election won't be either," he said.

Teachers and students have shown him encouragement and respect, he said. "Many of them know me, and I receive love and inspiration from them," he added.

Born in Rajapur village of Belkuchi upazila in Sirajganj, Shahriar initially enrolled in the Public Administration Department at the University of Chittagong but had to leave before completing his final year due to family reasons.

Later, he worked in different positions at the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (EPZ).

After years in employment, he decided to resume his education, passing SSC in 2017 and HSC in 2020 under the technical education board, before securing admission to Rajshahi University in the 2020–21 session.

"It was only possible because of my strong determination," he said.

Prof Md Sazzad Bokul, head of the Mass Communication and Journalism Department, praised Shahriar's resolve.

"Though he is older than the average student, teachers take him seriously. He has come this far with strong willpower. We wish him every success," he said.

Chief Election Commissioner of Rucsu Prof F Nazrul Islam also confirmed that Shahriar's candidacy is valid.

"According to our ordinance, both voters and candidates must be current students. Since he is a current student, there is no bar to his participation," said Prof Nazrul.

He added that while most candidates are relatively young, they see his candidacy at this age as something positive.