Electioneering for the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union, hall unions and Senate student representative elections ended on Tuesday, with different panels and candidates promising to ensure a safe and secure environment for students.
The 29-day campaigning was marked by enthusiasm, challenges and uncertainty.
During the period, candidates and their supporters were seen reaching out to voters across the campus — from academic buildings and halls to tea stalls and common rooms — and seeking support ahead of the long-awaited polls scheduled for tomorrow.
The campaign, which began on September 15 with rallies and cultural performances, had gradually shifted to a more personal approach in recent days as candidates made door-to-door visits and engaged directly with students.
Despite several challenges, including schedule changes, teachers and employees’ strike and administrative restrictions, the election has created a festive atmosphere on campus, with thousands of students participating in discussions and debates about university issues and student rights.
On Tuesday, the final day of electioneering, candidates and their supporters were seen moving door to door, sharing leaflets, posters and handbills while outlining their plans and pledges to voters.
Campaigners were active in front of various academic buildings and residential halls, particularly around the Tukitaki Chattar, Amtala, Paribahan market, Shahid Intellectual Memorial and Shaheed Minar.
While campaigning near the Dr Mohammad Shahidullah Academic Building, independent candidate Tasin Khan, the first female vice-president contender in RACSU’s history, said that they were trying their best to reach everyone as the electioneering was going to end at midnight past Tuesday.
Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal-backed Oikkoboddho Notun Projonmo panel’s VP candidate Sheikh Nur-Uddin Abir said that their diverse panel had drawn strong responses, particularly from first-year students.
‘We’ve received positive feedback from students we’ve spoken to,’ he added.
Meanwhile, Mostakur Rahman Zahid, VP candidate from Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed Sammilita Shikkharthi Jote panel, said that the upcoming RACSU polls — being held after 35 years — had created an extraordinary atmosphere.
‘The repeated deferrals of election date have given us ample time to campaign, and students have welcomed us warmly,’ he said, expressing hope that most students would turn out to vote if the situation remained peaceful.
Salahuddin Ammar, a former coordinator of the Students Against Discrimination, who is vying for the general secretary post in RUCSU, said that although many candidates and their supporters were violating the electoral code of conduct, he hoped that the election would be held in a free and fair manner.
Meanwhile, the university administration on Tuesday imposed restrictions on vehicular movement across the campus ahead of the elections.
An official notice, signed by university proctor professor Mahbubur Rahman, on Tuesday afternoon stated that motorcycle movement on the campus would remain completely prohibited on the election day.
However, the restriction will not be applied to members of the media.
The notice further stated that no vehicle other than those bearing valid university stickers would be allowed to enter, move, or park within the campus during the election. Exceptions would be made for physically challenged students, who would be permitted to use all campus roads.
Accredited journalists would be allowed to enter and move within the campus using vehicles upon showing passes issued by the RAKSU election commission.
Private cars, auto-rickshaws, and other vehicles will not be allowed to approach academic buildings, while vehicles engaged in election-related duties will remain exempted from the restriction.
A total of 247 candidates will contest the 23 RUCSU posts, another 597 candidates are contesting in 17 residential hall union elections, while 58 candidates are vying for five senate representative positions.
There are 28,901 voters, including 17,596 male and 11,305 female, in the RUCSU elections.
The Rajshahi Metropolitan Police on Tuesday imposed a ban on all kinds of processions, rallies and gatherings in and around RU campus for three days to ensure a peaceful environment during the RUCSU, hall unions, and Senate student representative elections.
A public notice issued by RMP commissioner Mohammad Abu Sufiyan on Tuesday stated that under the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Act 1992,
the restrictions would remain in force from 12:01am on Wednesday to 12:00am on Friday.
‘During this period, no rallies, processions, meetings, or use of loudspeakers, fireworks, or explosives will be permitted within 200 yards of the university area,’ it said.
The notice also stated that carrying or using weapons, including firearms, sharp objects, and sticks, would also be prohibited during the period, warning that legal action would be taken against anyone violating the restrictions.
