Rucsu polls: BNP, Jamaat supporters gather near Rajshahi University in festive mood

Supporters of the BNP and Jamaat have gathered near the main gate of Rajshahi University amid the ongoing Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (Rucsu), hall council, and senate student representative elections.

Large pots of biryani, around 10-12 in number, are being cooked on site, while five to six individuals sit nearby. 

Jamaat activists have divided into several small groups behind the Mati Shah Mazar, adjacent to the university's main gate, and are socialising together. 

Large pots of biryani, around 10-12 in number, are being cooked on site, while five to six individuals sit nearby.

One of them, Litu, a businessman from Binodpur Bazar, told TBS, "Everyone here at the field is a Jamaat worker. The Rucsu elections are happening after three decades. We are enjoying being together, and we will eat together, so this arrangement was made."

On the western side of the mazar, more than 50 BNP activists led by Motihar Thana BNP General Secretary Al Mamun Babu have also gathered on the footpath. 

Asked about their presence, he said, "The Rucsu election is taking place after 35 years. All leaves have been cancelled due to the election, so we are sitting together and enjoying the day."

Meanwhile, allegations have surfaced that Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir members were distributing weapons among themselves ahead of the polls.

Amanullah Aman, organisational secretary of the Chhatra Dal central council, shared a video on Facebook claiming, "Opposite the main gate of Rajshahi University, Jamaat Shibir members are openly distributing weapons among themselves."

In the video, posted on Aman's verified Facebook timeline, 12–14 people are seen gathered in one spot, with one individual handing something to the others.

When asked about the allegations, Litu, who identified himself as a Jamaat worker, said, "We have been here since morning. As for weapons, you see for yourselves. Those making these claims should come and see for themselves."

Al Mamun Babu said, "I have not seen any weapon distribution on the ground. However, I have seen the video circulating online. It is not clear."

Meanwhile, the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) clarified that a viral video claiming that a political party was distributing arms near the university's main gate during the Rucsu election was misleading. The video, reportedly filmed from a distance, actually showed local supporters socialising, walking, and eating under the shade of trees in a nearby garden, with police, RAB, and BGB personnel stationed close by.

The RMP urged the public to refrain from spreading rumours or false information, warning that sharing, liking, or commenting on misleading posts constitutes a criminal offence and legal action will be taken against those responsible.