Rajshahi, Sept 8 (V7N) – The nomination submission for Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) elections concludes tomorrow, Sunday, as the campus grows increasingly election-focused. The Election Commission has repeatedly revised schedules and shifted voting dates, raising questions about its credibility and fueling doubts among students about a fair election.
 
Over five days, 643 candidates have collected nomination papers. For the 23 central RUCSU posts, 199 candidates filed; 26 candidates for five senate seats; and 420 candidates for various hall union positions. Initially, the last date for nomination submission was Tuesday, later extended to August 31 to allow for administrative adjustments, including centralizing polling at the academic building and conducting mandatory drug tests.
 
The Election Commission has faced repeated criticism for rescheduling, altering timelines, and issuing four successive schedule changes within days, creating confusion among students. After initially setting nominations for August 17, then August 24–26, deadlines were extended to August 31, and voting postponed multiple times—from September 13 to finally September 25—amid protests and debate.
 
For the first time in RUCSU history, candidates must submit drug test reports. On Thursday, the university medical center collected samples from 87 candidates; results will be linked to their nominations. Positive tests will result in disqualification.
 
Students affiliated with major political organizations are finalizing their panels. The student wing of the ruling party has submitted 217 nominations for RUCSU and hall union posts, while the Democratic Student Alliance has fielded 28 candidates and will announce its panel soon. Independent candidates are also prominent, with Sajibur Rahman filing for AGS and Nisha Akter becoming the first female independent candidate for Women’s Secretary, aiming to promote a safer campus and ensure women’s participation.
 
The elections mark an important phase of student political engagement at Rajshahi University, reflecting both organizational mobilization and independent student initiatives.
 
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