RUCSU election date shifted again within 9 hours amid protests

The commission first set Sept 28 but brought it forward after objections over Maha Shashthi

The date for the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) election has been changed again within just nine hours.

On Wednesday night, Chief Election Commissioner Prof F Nazrul Islam announced that the polls will now be held on Sept 25, a Thursday.

“Since Sep 28 is Maha Shasthi, a major festival for Sanatan followers, we decided to respect the sentiment and bring the date forward. Students had been protesting over this, and we took the decision considering their demand,” he said.

Earlier in the afternoon, the commission had fixed Sept 28 for voting, drawing criticism as the date coincided with the Hindu community’s Durga Puja. Around 3,500 Sanatan students are enrolled at Rajshahi University.

The decision was finalised after an evening meeting at the RUCSU treasurer’s office, which continued until 9pm.

Nomination forms for the RUCSU and Senate student representative elections will be available at the treasurer’s office, while those for hall union polls can be collected from respective hall administrative offices.

Voting will take place from 9am to 4pm across all academic buildings, with results to be announced the same day.