Rucsu polls: Nomination paper distribution postponed amid administrative stalemate
As per the election schedule, the distribution of nomination forms was scheduled to start today
The distribution of nomination forms in Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (Rucsu), Hall Sangshad and Senate Student Representative elections 2025 has been postponed amid administrative stalemate caused from ongoing protests in the institution.
As per the election schedule, the distribution of nomination forms was scheduled to start today.
"The nomination paper distribution process, which was scheduled for 20 August, has been declared closed due to unavoidable reasons. Further instructions will be communicated through a notice," said a notification signed by Chief Election Commissioner Prof Md Amzad Hossain.
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The CEC said for the past few days, teachers, officers, and staff of Rajshahi University have been staging protests by halting classes, exams, and administrative activities to press their demands. They continued their protest yesterday as well by suspending administrative operations. The administrative office of the Rucsu treasurer was also closed, which caused difficulties in preparing nomination papers.
"As a result, it was not possible to complete the preparation of the nomination papers. Additionally, sending the prepared nomination papers to the 17 halls was also not possible," added Prof Amzad.
Responding to a query, he said elections must remain outside the scope of the protests. "However, when administrative activities are halted, it affects all areas."
The CEC expressed optimism that the Election Commission will soon convene with all its members to announce the date for distributing nomination papers, and the election will be held on 15 September as per the announced schedule.
As per the schedule, a preliminary list of candidates will be published on 31 August 31, while the deadline for withdrawing nomination forms is 5pm on 2 September. Besides, the final list of candidates is scheduled to be published on 4 September.
Rucsu election 2025 will be the first polls to the student body in 35 years, with the latest one having taken place in 1989.
