RUCSU term ends with no announcement on next election, students voice anger

The term of the current Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) committee ended last Monday (26 October). With no discussion or visible preparation yet for the next election, anger and uncertainty have grown among students.

While the term of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) was extended by three months, RUCSU's term is not being extended. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Faridul Islam said the current union's term is ending because the constitution has no provision for extending it.

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

The Shibir-backed 'Sammilito 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, 10 days after the election. On that count, their term ended on Monday.

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. A total of 14 elections were held up to 1989. RUCSU activities then remained closed for a long 35 years.

Md Arif Alvi, a student of the Social Work Department from the 2023-24 session, said there is no update on the next election even though RUCSU's term has ended, creating confusion. He said RUCSU is not a favour or charity but a right of students, one that builds a bridge among students and develops leadership.

RUCSU AGS Salman Sabbir said turning RUCSU into a reality after 35 years and completing the term above extortion, tender manipulation, eating on credit or exerting political influence was their real success. He said the lack of prior experience and experienced advisers made the start difficult after the long gap.

Salman Sabbir also said they had worked from the start to smooth the path for the next RUCSU election and a new union. At the last session, the current treasurer was given responsibility for initiatives including reforming the constitution and preparing an election schedule, and they are in regular contact with him on the matter, he added.

RUCSU GS Salahuddin Ammar said the next RUCSU must be realised and there is no alternative. He said they want to believe the university administration will hold the next election without delay, and they have made their position clear to the administration.

RUCSU VP Mostakur Rahman Zahid said the vice-chancellor had told them he would hold the next election. But no effective decision or step is visible yet. That has raised fears about whether the election will be held neutrally or whether the administration will wait for a green signal from the government, he commented.

He also said students had to movement four times last time to realise the election. The administration has been told that should not be necessary this time. If there is still delay, RUCSU will be realised together with the students, he said.

RUCSU Treasurer Professor Setaur Rahman said he had not yet received any message from the vice-chancellor about a RUCSU election. The constitution does not clearly state a timeframe for starting the election process. If an election were imminent, a schedule would have been announced by now. The preparation needed to hold a vote does not exist at this moment, he added.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Faridul Islam said the constitution does not provide for extending the term, so RUCSU's term is ending. He said RUCSU was held after 35 years and they too want RUCSU to continue. The next step will be taken after understanding the environment and situation and talking to relevant stakeholders, and the election will be organised when an election environment is created at the university, he said.