Rajshahi, Oct 11 (V7N) – Concerns over the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) election have eased following a prolonged period of unrest and continuous protests. University authorities, teachers, and staff have decided not to initiate any new demonstrations, paving the way for a smooth election scheduled for October 16.

The university administration and protesting teachers reached this temporary truce after a series of discussions. Professor Abdul Alim, president of the Nationalist Teachers Forum at Rajshahi University, stated that the forum agreed to pause protests ahead of the election. The forum had requested the administration ensure complete campus security and take action against individuals involved in the harassment of faculty members. The administration provided assurances that their demands would be addressed, prompting teachers to withhold further agitation for the time being.

Officers and staff members also confirmed that they would refrain from any protest activities before the election. Md. Moktar Hossain, president of the University Officers’ Association, said, “We will not hold any programs before the RUCSU election. Holding protests now could disrupt the election and attract blame. We are fully committed to assisting with the election process.”

Professor F. Nazrul Islam, chief election commissioner of RUCSU, affirmed that no further protests would take place before the election, and that full cooperation from teachers and staff had been guaranteed. “There is no longer any cause for concern regarding the election,” he said.

The administration had been proactive in ensuring calm before the election. On October 5, following the reopening of the university, authorities met with officers and staff to request a temporary halt to demonstrations. Previously, both the Officers’ Association and the Nationalist Teachers Forum had suspended strikes and shutdowns after a series of incidents, including the violent harassment of teachers on campus on September 20, which sparked widespread agitation.

The RUCSU election, initially scheduled for September 25, was postponed due to the unrest. With the new date set for October 16, candidates and election officials are optimistic that voting will take place in a peaceful, celebratory atmosphere.

Candidates and student leaders have welcomed the decision. Sheikh Nur Uddin, vice president candidate of the student-backed “United New Generation” panel, said, “There were concerns about the election, but we are confident students will exercise their right to vote. Attempts to disrupt the process will fail, and the election will proceed on October 16.” Mustakur Rahman Zahid, president of the university branch of Chhatra Shibir and RUCSU vice president candidate, also praised the decision, emphasizing that the election must occur at the proper time and without obstruction.

The university community now looks forward to conducting the RUCSU election in an orderly and fair manner, with all stakeholders committed to ensuring a transparent and peaceful process.

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