Highlights:
- For the first time in 63 years of RUCSU history, a female student is contesting for the Vice President (VP) position.
- Tasin says the courage she gained from student movements inspired her to run.
- She fears possible unrest during the election and urges the administration and election commission to ensure a fair environment.
A Historic First in RUCSU
For the first time in the 63-year history of Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU), a female student is running for the position of Vice President (VP). The candidate, Tasin Khan, has already collected her nomination paper and is receiving strong support from her close circle. However, she also expressed fear about the voting atmosphere and suggested that the administration and election commission should be more active in ensuring a peaceful election.
Who is Tasin Khan?
Tasin Khan is a student of the 2020–21 academic session at the Institute of Education and Research of Rajshahi University. She is from Rajshahi itself. Over the years, Tasin has been involved in various social organizations and played a leading role in the anti-discrimination student movement, where she worked as a coordinator of Rajshahi University.
She said that facing the fear of death during movements gave her the courage to contest for such a significant position.
Women’s Role in RAKSU Elections
Since the establishment of RUCSU in 1962, and up until 1989, 14 elections were held. In none of those did a female student contest for the VP position. After a long gap of 35 years, elections are finally being held again, and this time Tasin is making history as the only female VP candidate. Alongside her, some female students from the university halls are also contesting for other posts.
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Why She Decided to Run
When asked why she chose to contest for the top position, Tasin explained:
বাংলা উক্তি:
“আমরা যখন জুলাই আন্দোলনে অংশ নিলাম, বিশেষ করে যখন বৈষম্যবিরোধী ছাত্র আন্দোলনের একজন সমন্বয়ক হিসেবে নাম লিখালাম, তখন ভাবছিলাম হয়তো আর স্বাভাবিক জীবন ফিরে পাব না। হয় রাজপথে মারা যাব, নয় বাকিটা জীবন কারাগারে কাটাতে হবে। সেই জায়গায় মৃত্যুকে খুব কাছে থেকে দেখলাম। স্বাভাবিক জীবন পেলাম। এখন আবার রাকসু নির্বাচনের ঐতিহাসিক ক্ষণের সাক্ষী হতে যাচ্ছি। তাই ভাবলাম, এখানে ভিপি প্রার্থী হওয়া উচিত।”
English Translation:
“When we took part in the July movement, especially when I became a coordinator in the anti-discrimination student movement, I thought maybe I would never return to a normal life. Either I would die on the streets or spend the rest of my life in prison. At that moment, I came very close to death. But I got back my normal life. Now I am going to witness another historic moment with the RAKSU election. That is why I felt I should contest for the VP post.”
Choosing the VP Position
Tasin said she had already decided to contest the election, but the position was not fixed earlier.
She said,
“The decision to contest the RUCSU election was made earlier, but the position was not certain. After discussions with my close ones, it was decided that I could stand for the VP position.”
Public Response So Far
When asked about the response she has received, Tasin explained that support is mainly coming from those who already know her personally.
Concerns About Election Environment
Despite her determination, Tasin admitted she is worried about the atmosphere of the upcoming election.
She mentioned,
“Several organizations with ideological conflicts are directly participating in the election. This creates the risk of an unpleasant situation. I feel uncertain not only as a candidate but also as a voter. The administration has not been active enough yet. A cyber-bullying cell was supposed to be formed, but its activities have not started. These problems must be solved. The election commission must ensure that both voters and candidates can coexist peacefully.”
The Election Schedule
Nomination papers for the RAKSU election were distributed from 24 to 28 August. Candidates will submit their nomination forms between 1 and 4 September. Voting will be held on 25 September 2025.
This long-awaited election is already showing signs of strong competition among the candidates.
Source: DBC News
