Shibir stages human chain demanding RUCSU election schedule and activation of Senate
Leaders and activists of the Rajshahi University unit of Chhatra Shibir have demanded that the schedule for the next election of the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) be announced soon and that the university Senate be made functional. They also warned of tougher programmes if attempts are made to derail the election instead of organising it.
The demands were raised at a human chain organised by the unit at the central library premises of the university at noon on Tuesday (10 November). Leaders and activists of the organisation from different levels were present.
Speakers at the human chain said the opportunity created for students' rights and expectations through the RUCSU election held after a long 35 years must not be allowed to close under any circumstances. They added that the Senate must be made functional to ensure student representation in the university's decision-making and administration.
Mujahid Faisal, president of the unit, said they had first submitted a memorandum to the university administration demanding the announcement of a fresh RUCSU schedule. At that time they had said they would take to the field with programmes if the schedule was not announced in time. He said today's human chain was part of that continuation.
He added that if the university administration still does not come to its senses, does not take steps to announce the schedule and tries to derail the election, they will be compelled to announce even tougher programmes.
Mehedi Sajib, publicity and media secretary of the unit, said it was beyond their understanding how the admission test was related to announcing the RUCSU schedule. He said the rights ensured for students through RUCSU in the past year had not been possible in the previous 35 years.
He said the inertia in the university had been broken after RUCSU became active after a long time, and no administration should even dream of trying to shut it down.
Ahsanullah Farhan, former vice-president of the Shahid Habibur Rahman Hall union, said losing in 280 posts in the election did not mean other parties could not win in future. If they try, other parties too can win some posts in the coming days, he said.
He added that if instead RUCSU is sought to be shut down through conspiracy, ordinary students will not accept it.
Mehedi Hasan, general secretary of the unit, along with leaders and activists of the organisation from different levels, was present at the human chain. Students are now watching for the university administration's next decision on announcing the RUCSU schedule and making the Senate functional.
