Jibon pledges cyber cell to protect students

Following a long 35-year wait, the Rucsu election is set to take place on October 16. In the run-up to the polls, the RU campus is abuzz with anticipation as candidates put forward their pledges. The Daily Star spoke with two such aspirants -- VP candidate Mostakur Rahman Zahid and GS candidate Nafiul Islam Jibon -- to gain insight into their thoughts and aspirations.
 

Nafiul Islam Jibon, general secretary (GS) candidate from the "Oikyaboddho Notun Projonmo" panel backed by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, has pledged to establish a cyber cell and revive the long-defunct Rajshahi University railway station if elected in the upcoming Rucsu polls.

In an interview with The Daily Star, he said, "After 35 years, the Rucsu election is finally taking place, stirring great enthusiasm among students. I am running to restore student rights, and they have been responding positively to our panel."

Jibon, a student of Arabic, vowed to ensure full residential facilities for students, with subsidies for those unable to get accommodation, if elected.

He also promised to modernise the university medical centre, calling its current state "terrible".

On transport issues, Jibon said his panel would push to reopen the long-closed RU railway station. "Although the railway line runs through the campus, the station has remained shut for years due to vested interests. For students travelling long distances, a functional station is essential."

Jibon pledged to form a dedicated cyber cell to protect female students from cyberbullying. "Anonymous 'bot accounts' are used to harass female students. We want a powerful cyber cell so that no one dares to make offensive remarks again," he said.

He also promised nutritious meals for students at subsidised rates, noting that poor food quality remains a major issue on campus.

On his chances of victory, Jibon said, "We believe our panel will secure a comprehensive win with the support of students. It includes leaders who faced persecution, first-year students whose voting rights we fought for, a women's football team member, and a Dean's Award recipient. Our panel is highly inclusive and acceptable to students."

He, however, expressed concern over possible irregularities.

"There were allegations of vote rigging in recent student union elections. We fear similar issues here. We urged the authorities to ensure fair polls by counting votes manually, but the commission insists on OMR machines. We strongly oppose this, as OMR always carries the risk of hacking or manipulation," he said.