The Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) elections, originally scheduled for September 25, have been officially postponed to October 16 a decision taken to accommodate the Durga Puja holidays and mounting student demands.
Chief Election Commissioner F Nazrul Islam announced the revised date in a statement issued after an emergency meeting of the RUCSU Election Commission held at 7:30 pm on Monday.
The decision follows intense lobbying by multiple student panels including Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal who earlier in the day called for a delay, citing logistical and cultural constraints amid the upcoming religious festivities.
They argued that holding elections on September 25, just before Durga Puja, would hinder fair campaigning and voter participation.
However, Islami Chhatra Shibir maintained its stance in favour of proceeding with the original date, urging the Commission not to yield to political pressure.
The Election Commission, weighing the concerns and seeking to ensure a peaceful, inclusive electoral process, opted for the later date to allow adequate preparation time and avoid clashing with the puja holidays, a period when many students and faculty traditionally leave campus.
The new election date, October 16, falls after the conclusion of Durga Puja, aiming to maximise student turnout and minimise disruption.
Campaigning is expected to resume shortly, with all panels now recalibrating their strategies for the extended timeline.