Defeated Rucsu candidates host 'Haru Party' to celebrate unity and resilience

A section of defeated candidates of the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (Rucsu), hall union, and student representative to the senate elections organised a post-election get-together yesterday evening at the university's Shabash Bangladesh ground. They called the get-together "Haru Party".

The event saw participation from members of different panels, who participated and lost in the recently held elections.

The programme began with an introduction session, followed by speeches highlighting the objectives and purpose of the gathering. Attendees were seen playing games, taking selfies, and chanting slogans — "Haru party! Shobai miley haru party!" and "Tumi ke, ami ke, Rabian, Rabian!"

Speaking at the event, VP candidate from Chhatra Dal-backed Oikyabadhya Notun Projonmo panel Nur Uddin Abir said, "Even though we lost, we are still students of Rajshahi University. Those who won must fulfil the promises they made in their manifestos during their one-year tenure, and it is our responsibility, as those who lost, to ensure accountability and monitor their work.

"Our newly elected VP Zahid said he would work together with everyone if he won. We hope he keeps his word. Together, we want to build a beautiful campus with a strong academic environment."

Tasin Khan, VP candidate from Sarbojonin Shikkharthi Sangsad panel, said, "After a long period of hard work and pressure, today's celebration marks a fresh start towards a new journey. Through this event, we wanted to convey a message -- at the end of the day, we, Rajshahi University students, stand united. Together, we will support the newly-elected Rucsu representatives in taking the university forward."

An independent candidate for the assistant general secretary (AGS) post in Rucsu, Shah Poran Likhon, said, "Many are saying that we're crying after losing and that we're not coming out of our rooms. To prove them wrong, we've gathered here today. With the students' support, we want to ensure a vibrant campus."

Newly-elected General Secretary (GS) Salahuddin Ammar also joined the get-together organised by the defeated candidates.

After a 35-year hiatus, elections to the Rucsu, hall unions, and student representative posts to the university senate were held last Thursday. A total of 902 candidates contested the polls.

Of the 23 Rucsu posts, candidates from the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed Sammilito Shikkharthi Jote panel won 20, including the VP and AGS positions.

Among the remaining three posts, Salahuddin Ammar from the Adhipatyabirodhi Oikya panel won the GS position; Mst Nargis Khatun from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal-backed panel was elected sports and games secretary; and independent candidate Tufail Ahmed Tufa became the science and technology affairs secretary.