Code violations cloud run-up to Rajshahi University student union election

With the Rucsu election approaching, Rajshahi University is already witnessing breaches of electoral codes, as student panels are campaigning in halls and other places well before the official campaign period.

The election to the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union will be held on September 25. There are about 24,892 voters in Rucsu.

As per schedule, the final list of candidates will be published today. The campaigning will start the same day.

Although rules bar campaigning until the final list of candidates is published, contenders from major organisations and independents are visiting halls, hosting events, and seeking support in advance.

The code allows campaigning only between 10:00am and 10:00pm after the final list is announced. Candidates must also seek permission before entering halls other than their own.

Yet across halls, classrooms, and spaces like Tukitaki Chattar and Amtola, campaign activity is in full swing.

Some students argue ballot numbers should be the only identifier, but contenders are introducing themselves early, raising concerns over fairness and enforcement.

BNP-backed Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has been especially active. Its VP, GS, and AGS hopefuls have been seen touring halls, corridors, and messes. JCD leaders denied breaking rules. "

We are not campaigning. We're only exchanging greetings. Since ballot papers are not out yet, this cannot be termed campaigning," said GS candidate Nafiul Jibon.

Still, allegations persist. Some students claim JCD hopefuls knock on doors late at night to ask for votes. The candidates call these "courtesy visits," and say it is not against the rules.

Jamaat-backed Islami Chhatra Shibir, under the banner Sommilito Shikkharthi Oikya, has taken a more extravagant approach, combining daytime outreach with night-time attar distribution, muri parties, and biryani feasts.

RU Shibir president and VP candidate Mostakur Rahman Zahid defended the activities. "We are not campaigning, we are listening to students," he said.

On distributing attar, he added, "As per tradition, such gifts are nothing new. We gave attar as goodwill."

At Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall, Shibir-backed candidates recently hosted a dinner for an entire block of students under the title of a "views-exchange meeting."

Other panels criticised the move.

"We don't have parent organisations pumping in money. Shibir's spending is destroying the level playing field," said independent VP candidate Ripon Islam.

His running mate, GS candidate Shaheen Sheikh, added, "Students are asking us when we'll throw parties. But we don't have the funds."

Left-leaning groups are taking a different route. The combined slate of Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad and Federation of Students, under Rucsu for Radical Change, along with the Democratic Student Council, are gathering student demands and publishing them on banners as a "People's Manifesto."

"This is not code violation. It's participatory democracy. If this is illegal, then all other campaigns are too," said Fuad Ratul, convener of Socialist Students' Front.

Chief Election Commissioner Prof F Nazrul Islam said the scope for action before the final list is limited. "After the publication of the final candidate list, if anyone violates the code of conduct, the Election Commission will take decisions, even up to cancellation of candidacy," he said.

Chief Returning Officer Prof Setaur Rahman said, "We've received no written complaints. Without them, we cannot act. It's impossible for us to monitor who is campaigning where."

Contacted, RU Pro-VC Prof Farid Uddin Khan said, "If events are linked to polls, the commission should investigate."