Rajshahi, Sept 23 (V7N) – Several student panels and independent candidates have demanded the postponement of the upcoming university election, citing that many students have left campus during the Durga Puja holidays, making it difficult to ensure full participation.
 
On Monday afternoon, around 12:30 p.m., representatives of at least five panels, 20 independent candidates, and multiple hall council candidates held an emergency press conference at the university’s transport market, urging the Election Commission to defer the polls.
 
Vice President candidate Sheikh Nur Uddin Abir, nominated by the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal panel, told reporters that most students are absent from campus during campaigning. “We are not finding students during our campaigns as most have gone home for the Puja holidays. We request the Election Commission to consider this and hold the election after the holidays,” he said.
 
Earlier at noon, a joint press briefing was organized by several other panels, including Raksu for Radical Change backed by the Student Rights Council and Student Federation, the Universal Student Union led by Tasin Khan, and the Islami Chhatra Andolan-backed Conscious Student Council. Independent candidates and hall council aspirants also joined, totaling more than 50 participants.
 
They argued that the election should only be held after all students return to campus, ensuring a fair and participatory environment. The speakers further criticized the campus unrest surrounding the quota reform issue, saying it has driven many students away and created uncertainty.
 
“We want an inclusive and participatory election. For that, the presence of all students must be ensured first,” the statement read.
 
END/MRA/SMa/