Cucsu and Rucsu polls rescheduled

Staff Reporter :

The Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (Cucsu) and hall union elections have been rescheduled to 15 October from the original date of 12 October, following concerns from candidates about insufficient time for campaigning.

Election Commission Secretary Professor AKM Ariful Haque Siddique announced the decision on Tuesday. “A meeting of all commissioners was held earlier yesterday.

The decision to delay the election came after Saturday’s discussions with candidates and students, where most expressed concern over having only five days for campaigning after the final candidate list was published and before the university’s closure,” Prof. Ariful said.

He added that many students would return late from holidays due to the university’s distance from other districts. “Candidates demanded at least a couple of extra days. Taking this into account, and after consultation with the vice-chancellor, the commission decided to reschedule the election for 15 October,” he explained.

Prof. Ariful also cited logistical challenges, noting that organizing the election within just five working days after the vacation would have been difficult. The commission confirmed that all examinations scheduled between 12 and 18 October will remain suspended, though classes will continue.

Meanwhile, the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (Rucsu) election has been postponed to 16 October, the Rucsu Election Commission announced on Monday.

In a press release signed by Chief Election Commissioner Professor F Nazrul Islam, the commission cited the prevailing situation at the university as not conducive for holding elections on the originally scheduled date of 25 September.

The release highlighted a “complete shutdown” program declared by teachers, officers, and employees, along with the inability to secure the participation of staff required to conduct the elections.

“Considering these factors and in the interest of conducting the Rucsu elections in a festive, participatory, and fair manner, the commission unanimously decided to hold the Rucsu election on October 16 instead,” the statement said.

Both reschedulings aim to ensure that elections at Chittagong and Rajshahi universities are conducted smoothly, with adequate preparation time for candidates and proper participation from the university communities.