The revised schedule for the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) elections has set voting for September 28, coinciding with the Mahashashthi of Durga Puja, one of the main religious festivals for the Hindu community. This decision has sparked outrage among students.
Chief Election Commissioner Professor F. Nazrul Islam announced the new schedule on Wednesday afternoon. Rajshahi University has around 3,500 Hindu students, raising concerns that a significant portion of the student body may be unable to participate in the vote.
Students and several active student organizations expressed strong objections. Student Saurav Karmakar said, “We strongly protest this decision. Not only Hindu students, but the campus itself will be largely empty on that day. Who will vote then? We demand that no one is deprived of their voting rights.”
Another student, Arpan Dhar, remarked, “By scheduling the RUCSU election on Mahashashthi, over 3,000 students are effectively being excluded from voting. This appears to be a deliberate tactic.”
Fuad Ratul, convener of the Socialist Student Front, added, “Hindu students will not skip the festival to come for voting. Since the university closes on the 29th, many others will leave as well, which may benefit fundamentalist groups.”
Mujahid Faisal, secretary of the university branch of Islami Chhatra Shibir, called it “a conspiracy to sabotage the election” and criticized the decision as favoring a particular group.
Sultan Ahmed Rahi, president of the university branch of Chhatra Dal, wrote on Facebook, “Scheduling the RUCSU vote the day before the campus closes for a major Hindu festival is no coincidence; it is a deliberate move to restrict Hindu students’ participation and to confuse opposition groups. The university administration’s anti-fraternity mindset is deplorable.”
Kaiser Ahmed, treasurer of Chhatra Union, added, “The postponement of nomination submission and election dates seems influenced by vested groups. Holding the vote on Mahashashthi is extremely unfortunate, as a large portion of the campus will be absent. This undermines a fair and participatory election.”
However, Chief Election Commissioner Professor F. Nazrul Islam defended the decision, stating, “The university will remain open on the 28th. Voting was scheduled keeping in mind the Durga Puja holiday in October.”
According to this year’s calendar, Mahapanchami falls on September 27, Mahashashthi on September 28, Mahasaptami on September 29, Mahaashtami on September 30, Mahanavami on October 1, and Mahadashami on October 2, when government offices observe a holiday. Earlier, Mahalaya falls on September 21, with Pratipada tithi beginning on September 22.
Under the revised schedule, nomination forms will be distributed until August 31. Students can submit nominations from September 1–4, with scrutiny on September 8–9. The preliminary candidate list will be published on September 11, objections will be accepted and resolved on September 14, withdrawals by September 15, and the final list announced on September 16.
Nomination forms for RUCSU and Senate student representative elections can be collected from the RUCSU treasurer’s office, while hall student council nominations are available from the respective hall administration. Voting will take place on September 28 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm across all academic buildings, with results announced the same day.
