Students’ union Elections: Will work to ensure students’ rights

Following a long 35-year wait, the Rucsu election is finally set to take place on September 25. 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 Nur Uddin Abir and GS candidate Salauddin Ammar -- to gain insight into their thoughts and aspirations.
 

Sheikh Nur Uddin Abir, vice-president candidate of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal-backed "Oikyaboddho Notun Projonmo" panel in the upcoming Rucsu elections, has pledged to work for ensuring students' rights so they are not subjected to deprivation or exploitation.

Talking to The Daily Star, Abir said the Rucsu elections being held after 35 years is a historic opportunity for Rajshahi University students to finally elect their representatives in a festive environment.

"Students demanded Rucsu polls many times in the past, but now finally it is happening. We are now reaching out to voters, and they are welcoming us with enthusiasm," he said.

Abir, who has been active in campus politics since his admission in 2018, said, "From the beginning, I worked for students' rights. I stood against the illegal seat-trading and dominance of the now-banned Chhatra League. For that, I was attacked time and again, including after my honours exams when they beat me and drove me out of campus."

Reflecting on his decision to contest the polls, he said, "After enrolling in my master's programme following the August 5 events, I wanted to work so that other students don't have to face the same mistreatment that I had to. That is why I decided to contest the Rucsu polls."

Abir's key plans include modernising RU's medical centre and tackling the acute housing crisis.

"Nearly 70 percent of students are non-residential. Yet securing a hall seat is their right. If elected, I will press the administration for a roadmap to ensure seats for all students. Until then, I will push for a housing allowance," he said.

On the election atmosphere, he noted, "I am hopeful but not fully satisfied. The election commission is showing a careless attitude and failing to enforce the code of conduct. If the election becomes biased or questionable, we will resist strongly."

Asked whether he felt pressure after the Ducsu and Jucsu polls outcomes, Abir said, "We are hopeful… we are receiving positive responses from the students. The outcome here will depend on the situation and environment. Students will give their verdict through the ballot."

Abir said his panel has brought together diverse candidates with proven backgrounds, including a national women's footballer for sports secretary, a Dean's Award recipient for women's affairs, a theatre activist for cultural secretary, and others with achievements in research, environment and music.

"I have always worked for students. I faced repression fighting for rights while staying true to my moral character. I always strived to be a true friend of the students -- that is my strength," he added.