RAJSHAHI, Oct 16: After 35 years, Rajshahi University finally held elections for its Central Students' Union (RUCSU), hall unions, and student representatives in the Senate on Thursday in a largely festive atmosphere.
Voting took place from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm across 17 polling centers on campus. While the morning remained peaceful, tension surfaced in the evening over alleged delays in vote counting and the reported entry of outsiders.
Thousands of students, both male and female, queued outside the polling stations, with many candidates campaigning at centers to request votes. After voting ended, ballot boxes from nine academic buildings were transferred under tight security to the Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium. Police, RAB, CRT, BNCC, and Scout members were deployed to ensure the safe transfer of ballots.
Although counting was scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm, it had not started by 6:30 pm, prompting candidates to gather outside the auditorium. Chief Election Commissioner Prof Dr AF Nazrul Islam said, "The election was conducted smoothly. Around 70 percent of voters cast their ballots. There has been a slight delay in starting the counting process, but it will begin shortly. We're working to announce the results as soon as possible."
To ensure transparency, a giant screen was set up outside the auditorium to allow students to watch the counting live.
Election Commissioner Mostafa Kamal Akand explained, "All ballot boxes have been brought in under strict security. Each bundle will contain 100 ballots, which will be counted using OMR machines under expert supervision. Results will be prepared in three phases, with the final outcome expected within 12 to 15 hours."
Voter turnout stood at 70 per cent overall, with 63 per cent in women's dorms and 79 per cent in men's dorms.
Turnout in male dormitories averaged 78.97 per cent, with Sher-e-Bangla Fazlul Haque Hall at 73.92 per cent, Shah Mokhdum Hall 77.71 per cent, Nawab Abdul Latif Hall 69.18%, and others ranging from 71.25 per cent to 77.78 per cent. Female dormitories saw an average of 63.24 per cent, with Mannujan Hall at 67.11 per cent and Rokeya Hall 59.60 per cent.
Despite the generally festive atmosphere, allegations of irregularities emerged. The United New Generation (Sammilito Notun Projanmo) panel, backed by the BNP's student wing, claimed the Shibir-supported Samannito Chhatra Jote (Combined Students' Alliance) committed widespread violations. At a press briefing, VP candidate Sheikh Nur Uddin Abir said, "The morning was peaceful, but later the atmosphere deteriorated. The Shibir-backed panel brought in hundreds of outsiders through various gates, including Kazla Gate."
GS candidate Nafiul Islam Jibon added, "At Zia Hall, 100 ballot papers were found pre-signed. Voting was stopped for an hour, and we suspect irregularities during that time. In several centers, voters were delayed or blocked by artificial congestion." AGS candidate Jahin Biswas Esha was also present.
VP candidate Tasin Khan from the Sarbojonin Chhatra Sangsad panel raised concerns about leaflets of the Shibir-backed panel inside polling booths and indelible ink failing shortly after voting, creating possibilities for multiple votes. She questioned the Election Commission's ability to ensure a level playing field, noting campaign materials were openly distributed in some centers.
Supporters of BNP, Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Chhatra Shibir gathered around the campus throughout the day. Jubo Dal activists positioned themselves opposite Kazla Gate, Jamaat-Shibir supporters near the Kazla water pump, and BNP activists by the main gate, with additional groups in Talaimari, Binodpur, Budhpara, and Koraitola.
Local resident Ariful Islam observed, "Leaders and activists from all sides have arrived, but so far, no clashes have occurred. People are excited and anxious about the results." Former Rajshahi City Jubo Dal member Rabiul Islam Robi said, "We want this election - after 35 years - to remain free and fair, unlike DUCSU or JUCSU polls. Our only wish is a neutral election."
