Amid RU unrest, some demand delay in polls, others want scheduled vote

Tensions have flared at Rajshahi University as student organisations and candidates face off over whether the RUCSU elections should take place on the scheduled date.

Starting in the evening on Monday, different student groups began gathering outside the RUCSU treasurer’s office.

Around 6:30pm, members of the Islami Chhatra Shibir started shouting slogans demanding the election be held as originally scheduled, on Thursday, Sept 25.

Shortly thereafter, left-wing student groups and some independent candidates joined the protest, calling for the vote to be postponed.

At 7pm, the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal also arrived, continuing their demands for a delay in the election.

Things grew tense, with the groups positioning themselves in parts of the building: Shibir to the west, left-wing and independent candidates in the middle, and Chhatra Dal on the east side.

By 7:30pm, the Election Commission announced the postponement of the election, rescheduling it for Oct 16.

Despite the initial preparations, including nominations and campaigning, the campus shutdown, and student departures from halls raised concerns about voter turnout.