Rucsu elections today after 35 years

The elections for the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (Rucsu), hall unions, and student representatives for the Senate are set to take place today, after a hiatus of 35 long years. 

The Election Commission announced yesterday that all preparations are complete for the smooth execution of the polls.

The last Rucsu election, held in 1990, saw the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) secure a victory across the entire panel. However, the current scenario is distinctly different. 

Students who spoke to TBS indicate that their choices will be guided not by political identity, but by which candidates have consistently stood with them in movements and struggles over the past period.

Shobha Akter, a student from the Department of Psychology, commented, "Students will vote for the candidates who actively participated in various student movements following the upheaval. Considering this, candidates from non-political student organisations may have an edge over those from established political wings."

According to the Election Commission, 10 panels and various independent candidates are participating in the Rucsu elections. A total of 247 candidates are vying for 23 posts in the central union, 58 candidates for five posts as Senate student representatives, and 597 candidates are contesting the 15 posts in each of the 17 hall unions. Each voter will have ten minutes to cast their votes for a total of 43 posts, which equates to approximately 14 seconds per vote. The total number of registered voters is 28,901, comprising 11,305 female voters and 17,595 male voters.

Fierce contest anticipated for GS, AGS posts

The Election Commission reports 18 candidates for the vice president (VP) post, 13 for general secretary (GS), and 16 for assistant general secretary (AGS).

While an informal survey released on Tuesday night claimed the Jamaat-e-Islami's student wing, Chhatra Shibir, was leading in the top three Rucsu posts, this correspondent spoke to at least two dozen general students who suggested a close contest for the GS and AGS positions.

Students anticipate the main competition for the GS post will be between Fahim Reza, a candidate supported by the Shibir panel, and Salauddin Ammar of the Adhipattya Birodhi Oikko (anti-hegemony alliance) panel. The expected tight race for the AGS post is projected to be a three-way fight involving Jahin Bishwas Esha from the JCD-backed panel, Salman Sabbir from the Shibir-backed panel, and independent candidate Shah Poran.

Students attribute Fahim Reza's strength to Shibir's established vote bank and his campus recognition as the coordinator of the 2024 quota reform movement. Salauddin Ammar, conversely, has been a vocal presence in movements demanding students' rights, including the movement to abolish the dependency quota, making him popular, particularly among female students.

For the AGS position, JCD-backed Jahin Bishwas Esha is well-known on campus and has played a frontline role in various issues, including the quota reform movement, which has bolstered her credibility. Salman Sabbir also has campus familiarity, having been associated with several social and voluntary organisations, alongside the guaranteed Shibir vote bank. 

Independent candidate Shah Poran gained prominence during the anti-discrimination movement, with his "jackfruit leaf" manifesto receiving significant student attention.

JCD leaders have expressed optimism about winning one of the top three posts and several secretarial positions. Speaking to TBS on condition of anonymity, multiple Chhatra Dal leaders stated that while their VP and GS candidates would put up a good fight, it might not be enough for victory. However, they are hopeful for the victory of their AGS candidate, Esha.

"The grassroots campaign of our AGS candidate is strong. We are receiving widespread support from students and are very optimistic about her. We also anticipate success in several secretarial posts," said a top JCD leader.