Rucsu polls rescheduled to 16 October
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the Rucsu Election Commission this evening (22 September)
The Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (Rucsu) elections, originally scheduled for 25 September, have been rescheduled to 16 October.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the Rucsu Election Commission this evening (22 September), said a press release.
The development came amid demands from at least five panels, including Chhatra Dal, to hold the election after the Durga Puja, citing unrest over the ward quota issue and students leaving campus for puja vacation.
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"The 'complete shutdown' programme announced by teachers, officials, and employees at Rajshahi University is currently underway. Due to insufficient participation of the required number of teachers, officials, and employees needed to conduct the election, the commission has unanimously decided, in the interest of holding the Rucsu election in a festive, participatory, and fair manner, to reschedule the election to 16 October instead of 25 September," said the press release issued by the Rucsu Election Commission.
The teachers, officials, and employees of Rajshahi University (RU) continued their work abstention for the second day as part of their "complete shutdown" programme demanding exemplary punishment for those involved in what they called the humiliation of a pro-vice-chancellor, the proctor and other teachers.
Due to the shutdown, classes and exams remain suspended, and students are leaving the campus in large numbers.
However, Islami Chhatra Shibir wanted the polls to be held as per the previous schedule.
Shibir-backed vice-president (VP) Mustakur Rahman Jahid, told The Business Standard, "The election must be held on schedule, as declared by the Election Commission. Those who are engaging in unpolitical tactics to delay the election are trying to disrupt the process."
The Rucsu election marks a historic return to student representation at Rajshahi University after a 35-year hiatus. 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.
