Over 50 candidates for the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) election have warned that the polls could become “questionable and farcical” if held with a low voter turnout amid ongoing campus disruptions.
At a press conference held Monday at the university’s Transport Market area, candidates from “Conscious Students’ Parliament,” “RUCSU for Radical Change,” “Universal Students’ Parliament,” “United for Rights” and independent contenders voiced their concerns.
They noted that due to an unstable campus environment, the “complete shutdown” of classes and exams, and the upcoming Durga Puja holidays, many students are leaving their halls and messes, which could result in significantly fewer voters.
The candidates also demanded a quick resolution to the “dependent quota” issue to make the election more inclusive and participatory.
Among their key demands were ensuring a level playing field, stabilizing the campus environment, and allowing the RUCSU election commissioner to take prompt steps considering the current situation.
The press conference also called on university authorities to restore normalcy on campus to facilitate a credible election.
