RU Correspondent

With Rajshahi University (RU) closed for the Durga Puja holidays, stray animals on the campus have been left struggling for survival. The closure of residential hall dining facilities, canteens, and nearby restaurants has deprived the animals of their usual leftovers, leaving many of them in a near-starved condition.

In response, candidates from the “Oikkoboddho Notun Projonmo” (United New Generation) panel — nominated by the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal for the upcoming Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) election  have stepped forward to feed the hungry animals.

On Thursday (Oct 2) from noon, candidates from the panel, along with activists of the RU unit of Chhatra Dal, were seen feeding stray dogs and cats at different spots on the campus. According to university sources, the group has been cooking and distributing food to the animals for the last four days and pledged to continue until the campus reopens.

The meals include rice, khichuri, meat, and biscuits, ensuring that the animals receive nutritious food. In addition, the group has arranged medicine and basic treatment for sick and injured animals.

Typically, the stray dogs, cats, and other animals on the RU campus survive on food provided by students and staff. But with the prolonged vacation, they have been facing acute food shortages.

Masum Billah, a candidate for the position of Secretary of Debate and Literature in the RUCSU polls, was seen feeding dogs and cats near the gymnasium. He said: “Earlier, these animals survived on our leftovers. But with the campus closed, they are the ones suffering the most. That is why we have been standing by them for the last four days and will continue to do so until classes resume.”

Md Ar-Rafi, the panel’s nominee for Environment and Social Welfare Secretary, added: “One of my pledges is to stand by the stray animals of the campus. If elected, I will work for their wellbeing. Another issue is that some dining hall and canteen owners sell leftovers instead of giving them to the animals. I am determined to put an end to such practices.”

Sheikh Nur Uddin Abir, Vice-President candidate of the panel, said: “Since the closure, no leftovers have been available for the animals. That is why our panel has come forward. Stray animals are also part of our community. We urge everyone to extend their support.”

RU unit Chhatra Dal President Sultan Ahmed Rahi stressed that the initiative was purely humanitarian: “We did not take this step for recognition. With no food around, these animals were on the verge of starvation. Someone had to stand by them, and as a humane organisation, Chhatra Dal decided to take the responsibility.”

The initiative by the Oikkoboddho Notun Projonmo panel has drawn attention on the RU campus, highlighting the plight of animals that often go unnoticed during extended university closures.