RUCSU Term Will Not Be Extended: Rajshahi University VC Cites Constitution, Uncertainty Over Next Election

The term of the current committee of the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) ends on Monday (26 October), and the term will not be extended.

Although the term of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) was extended by three months, that is not happening for RUCSU. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Faridul Islam said the present union's term ends today because the constitution contains no provision for extending it.

The vice-chancellor said: “Our constitution says nothing about extending the term. That is why RUCSU's term ends today. RUCSU returned after 35 years, and we too want RUCSU to continue. The next steps will be taken after assessing the environment and situation and talking to the relevant stakeholders. The election will be arranged when an environment for a RUCSU election is created at the university.”

However, there is still no discussion or visible preparation for holding the next election. With the term ending and no clear announcement about the schedule for the next election, uncertainty has grown among students.

After 35 years, the RUCSU and hall union elections were held on 16 October last year. Nine panels contested the election for 23 posts.

The Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed ‘Sommilito Shikkharthi Jote’ won 20 posts, including vice-president (VP) and assistant general secretary (AGS). Candidates of the same panel also won a majority of the top posts in the hall unions. The elected representatives were formally sworn in on 26 October, ten days after the election.

The university's student union began in 1957 under the name ‘Rasu’. Its activities were suspended from 1958 to 1962 because of military rule. It was renamed ‘RUCSU’ in 1962, and a total of 14 elections were held up to 1989. RUCSU then remained inactive for a long 35 years.

Md Arif Alvi, a student of the Department of Social Work from the 2023-24 session, said: “RUCSU's term ended today, yet there is no update on the next election. A kind of haze has formed over this. RUCSU is not a favour or a donation; it is our right. It builds a bridge among students and develops leadership. As a conscious student I certainly want RUCSU. Otherwise we will meet on the streets. We will not let anyone play with our rights.”

RUCSU assistant general secretary (AGS) Salman Sabbir said: “Our success should not be measured only by what we could or could not do. Bringing RUCSU back to life after a long 35 years, and ending the term staying above extortion, tender manipulation, eating on credit or exerting political influence — that is our real success.”

He added that because RUCSU had resumed after a long gap, they faced some difficulty at the start for lack of prior experience and experienced advisers, but he believes students benefited from what they did afterwards.

Salman Sabbir said: “We have been working from the start to smooth the path for the next RUCSU election and a new union. At the last session, the current treasurer sir was given the responsibility of taking initiatives on matters including reforming the constitution and preparing an election schedule. We are in regular contact with him on this.”

RUCSU VP Mostakur Rahman Zahid said: “The VC sir told us he will hold the next election. But we have not yet seen any effective decision or step. That has created apprehension among us about whether he will really hold the election impartially and independently, or will wait for a green signal from the government. It has become a matter to think about.”