RUCSU Polls: JCD fields panel of Chhatra League attack survivors for VP, GS, AGS posts

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has announced its panel for the long-awaited Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) election, naming Sheikh Nur Uddin Abir for vice-president (VP), Nafiul Islam Jibon for general secretary (GS), and Jahin Biswas Esha for assistant general secretary (AGS).

The announcement came Sunday at a press conference near the university’s Shaheed Minar. JCD leaders highlighted that Abir and Jibon, in particular, had survived repeated assaults by activists of the banned Chhatra League during the Awami League’s rule, yet remained active in student and opposition politics, including the July 2024 mass uprising.

Speaking at the event, Abir urged students to support candidates “who stood by the oppressed during repression,” while Jibon expressed hope that the long-delayed vote would “reflect the aspirations of students.” Esha underscored JCD’s goal of ensuring a safe and democratic campus environment.

The RUCSU election, scheduled after a 35-year gap, has sparked intense competition, with multiple student groups already declaring panels. JCD leaders said their candidates’ history of resilience in the face of violence demonstrates their commitment to genuine student representation.