Another 2-month delay could mean no more RUCSU elections: former GS Ammar

Former general secretary of Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) Salahuddin Ammar has warned that a two-month delay in the next RUCSU election could mean the student body may never hold another election unless another revolution takes place.

“If RUCSU is delayed by two months, there may never be another RUCSU election in our lifetime unless another revolution takes place,” he said.

He made the remarks at a press conference held at the university’s Transport Market premises on Sunday afternoon.

Ammar demanded the announcement of a roadmap and election schedule for the next RAKSU polls, along with arrangements for the swearing-in of elected student representatives to the university senate and the convening of a senate session without delay.

At the press conference, he said RUCSU played an important role in securing students’ rights and ensuring their participation in the university’s decision-making process. Preparations for the next election should begin before the tenure of an existing committee expires, he said.

To maintain continuity in holding regular elections, the university administration must publish a comprehensive roadmap and announce the election schedule within a specific timeframe, he added.

The former GS also called for the elected student representatives to be sworn in promptly to ensure student representation in the university’s policymaking activities. He urged the administration to announce the date of the senate session and take steps to hold its meetings regularly.

Calling on students to unite behind the demand for RUCSU elections, Ammar said they should set aside differences in political views and affiliations on the issue of student union polls. He said he would continue his efforts to secure the election, adding that students would also have to share responsibility if they failed to come forward to claim their rights.

On students’ reluctance towards politics, he said describing oneself as apolitical was also a political position. According to him, no one could remain entirely outside politics.

He urged students to speak up for the election, saying those unable to join protests directly could express their positions on social media. At the very least, he called on them not to oppose the demand for student union elections.

Ammar also warned that irregularities from the past could return to the campus if student union elections were not held regularly. Without elected student representatives, problems such as violence, campus occupation and seat trading could resurface, he said.

He said regular RUCSU elections were necessary to maintain a normal campus environment and protect students’ rights.

Ammar also announced a series of programmes to press home the demands. He said former student union leaders had a responsibility to ensure another election.

The election could be held if the administration showed genuine willingness, he said, adding that they would first submit a memorandum, followed by a human chain. If those measures failed, they would launch tougher programmes.

sks