Rajshahi University has postponed the Rucsu election until October 16, citing unfavorable conditions. However, the series of events leading to this decision were orchestrated by the university itself. The turmoil began in August when the Election Commission delayed the distribution of nomination papers due to staff unrest regarding the ward quota, a privilege for employees’ children. Although the quota had been abolished in January following student protests, pressure to reinstate it resurfaced, causing the election process to come to a halt.
The situation escalated on September 18 when the administration reinstated the quota during the peak of the campaign season, giving in to demands from certain groups. This move sparked immediate outrage, leading to student protests, sit-ins, and demonstrations at the vice-chancellor’s residence. The university eventually suspended the quota on September 21 under mounting pressure, but the damage had already been done.
Following the administration’s retreat, staff unions initiated an indefinite strike, causing a standstill at the university. Offices were closed, classes were canceled, and personnel involved in election logistics displayed reluctance to cooperate. This disruption hindered the progress towards holding the election and caused uncertainty among students, many of whom started leaving the campus anticipating further delays or cancellation.
On September 23, over 50 aspiring candidates submitted a memorandum requesting the election postponement due to the campus being empty during the Puja break, which could give unfair advantages to certain party panels. Subsequently, the university’s election commission officially rescheduled the elections to October 16. The decision received support from Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal while Islami Chhatra Shibir and other aligned groups opposed it, confident in their ability to mobilize their supporters despite the disruptions.
The controversy surrounding the quota not only disrupted classes but also reshaped the electoral landscape. The university’s actions created conflict and then stepped back, leaving the election commission to navigate the situation. The neutrality claimed by the institution seems questionable as its decisions appeared to favor certain parties.
As of the latest update, the university still faces challenges with staff unions continuing their strike for the quota’s reinstatement and teachers seeking justice over past incidents. The road to the rescheduled election date remains uncertain, with ongoing disruptions risking the credibility of the voting process. The uncertainty surrounding the new election date highlights how certain groups have attempted to manipulate the election for their benefit, keeping Rucsu under their influence.