Teachers, officers and employees of Rajshahi University have announced an indefinite full-day work stoppage beginning September 21; just four days before RUCSU election.
In a letter sent to various university departments, they declared that all academic and administrative activities, excluding emergency services, will be halted indefinitely if their demands are not addressed by September 18.
The demands include implementation of all institutional benefits, including ward quota, abolition of the current administrator-based governance structure and establishment of personal chambers for teachers along with increased research funding.
According to the signatories, failure to meet these demands will result in a full-day, indefinite strike starting September 21, which falls just four days before the scheduled RUCSU election.
The announcement has been jointly signed by six representatives on behalf of RU teachers, officers and employees.
Among them are Dr. Md. Abdul Alim, president of BNP-leaning Nationalist Teachers’ Forum and professor of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension; Dr. Md. Amirul Islam, general secretary of the same forum and professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; and several other senior figures reportedly affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP-backed professional groups within the university.
Meanwhile, RU campus is currently vibrant with election fervour. After ballot numbers were allotted through a lottery last Sunday, student candidates began campaigning across the university.
Posters and digital cards featuring ballot numbers are circulating on social media, while in-person campaigns are underway in residence halls, key gathering spots, playing fields and nearby student messes.
According to the university’s election commission, a total of 28,905 students are eligible to vote in the election.
A total of 903 candidates are contesting across RUCSU, Senate and hall student unions.
Each student will cast 43 votes in total. Vote counting and result announcements are expected to be completed on the same day of voting.
The strike threat from university staff just days before the election has raised concerns over possible disruptions.
Many students and observers fear the looming work stoppage could impact the long-anticipated RUCSU election, which is returning after decades and seen as a vital step in reviving student representation on campus.
RHF/SH
