RU Senate session set to return after 2016

After almost a decade, the Rajshahi University's (RU) Senate session is set to make a comeback, as the long-awaited RU Central Students' Union (RUCSU) and hall union elections draw near.

While most of the spotlight remains on the vice-president (VP) and general secretary (GS) candidates, a quieter but crucial race is unfolding - for the five student representative seats in the Senate, the university's highest policymaking body. This year, 58 candidates are contesting for these five positions.

Since the RU's establishment 72 years ago, the Senate sessions have been convened 22 times - 19 before 2000, and only three after 2000. According to Section 73(a) of the RU Ordinance, the Senate is supposed to meet at least once a year. Yet, no session has been held since 2016.

The Senate serves as the university's top governing council, approving budgets, opening new departments, and even amending university laws. Chaired by the vice-chancellor, it includes the pro-vice-chancellors, the treasurer, 25 registered graduates, five research representatives, five government officials, five members of parliament, five principals of affiliated colleges, and ten college teachers. Of its 104 members, only five are students.

Mostakur Rahman Zahid, VP and Senate candidate from the Islami Chhatra Shibir Panel, said: "A Senate representative speaks for the entire university community. If elected, I'll focus on a student-friendly budget, resolving dormitory crisis, improving library and ICT facilities, and promoting research, sports, and cultural activities."

Sheikh Nur Uddin Abir, VP and Senate candidate from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal-backed panel, said: "The students' issues like housing shortage, outdated library, and lack of research funds can be solved only when raised in the Senate. I want to ensure that the students' voices are reflected in the budget, and that education and democracy thrive on the campus."

Monir Hossain Mahin, president of the RU Press Club and a Senate candidate, emphasised the Senate's broader responsibility: "The Senate is about everyone - teachers, officers, and staff. As a campus journalist, I've closely seen the problems - corruption, mismanagement, and negligence. I want to use that experience to make the Senate a place of accountability and transparency."

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