RUCSU Polls: Chhatra Dal-backed panel announced 10-point manifesto
RU Correspondent
The ‘Oikoboddho Notun Projonmo’ (United New Generation) panel, backed by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), has unveiled a 10-point election manifesto ahead of the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) election.
The manifesto was announced at a press conference held at the university’s Central Shaheed Minar on Sunday at 12:30 pm.
The 10-point manifesto includes several pledges aimed at improving the academic and campus environment. Key promises including; Declaring February 18—the day Professor Dr. Shamsuzzoha was shot dead by Pakistani forces in 1969—as National Teachers’ Day, Ensuring academic excellence through close coordination with the university administration and fostering a culture of free knowledge and open intellectual exchange, Upgrading library, internet, and electricity facilities for students, Strengthening campus security for all students, Modernizing the university medical center, Expanding facilities for female and specially-abled students, Promoting social harmony and a culture of open artistic and cultural expression on campus, Addressing residential crises through expanded accommodation facilities, Ensuring hygienic food and clean drinking water for students, and Reactivating the RU railway station to ease transportation for long-distance students and introducing discounted tickets and additional campus bus routes.
Speaking at the event, Vice President (VP) candidate Sheikh Nur-Uddin Abir said, “We took some extra time to finalize our manifesto because we wanted it to reflect the real needs of general students. Every point we proposed is achievable. If students support us and we can work in coordination with the administration, we believe we can implement these promises in a short time.”
Meanwhile, a total of 247 candidates are contesting in the RUCSU election for 23 posts, including 18 for VP, 13 for General Secretary (GS), and 16 for Assistant General Secretary (AGS). Altogether, 12 panels, including those backed by Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir, are participating.
In addition, 58 candidates are contesting for five student representative seats in the university senate, while 597 candidates are vying for 15 positions across 17 residential halls.
According to the revised election schedule, voting will be held on October 16, and results will be announced the same day after counting.
There are 28,901 registered voters, including 11,305 female and 17,596 male student.
