The Rajshahi University unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir has publicly distanced itself from the financial disclosures made by Salauddin Ammar, General Secretary of the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU). Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, 25 August, the student organisation stated that Ammar’s reported office expenses bear no resemblance to operational reality.
Mojahid Faisal, president of the university’s Shibir chapter, addressed members of the press to clarify his organisation’s position regarding the controversial administrative accounts. He revealed that Ammar submitted an expenditure report claiming 370,000 taka spent under the official categories of travel and entertainment. Faisal argued that spending such an exorbitant sum on basic administrative logistics within a student body is completely detached from practical necessity, suggesting that the General Secretary was attempting to deflect accountability.
To substantiate their claims, Shibir leadership convened a formal meeting with representatives elected under the Shibir-backed ‘Combined Student Alliance’ panel. During this internal audit, the organisation requested itemised accounts and accountability reports from each department representative under their banner.
The internal breakdown provided by the panel’s elected secretaries revealed modest operational costs across six major secretariats:
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Culture Affairs
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Environment and Social Welfare
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Media and Publication
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Information and Research
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Women’s Affairs
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Literature and Debate
According to the data gathered from these representatives, the total collective expenditure across all six secretariats amounted to approximately 36,000 taka.
Faisal noted that reasonable operational expenses for the remaining executive departments should similarly not exceed 10,000 to 20,000 taka each. Pointing out that Salauddin Ammar ran independently and was not elected from the Shibir-backed alliance, the unit president reiterated that his organisation bears no political or financial responsibility for the General Secretary’s reported figures. Ammar has yet to issue an official response regarding the allegations.
Prior to addressing the financial controversy, the Rajshahi University Shibir unit submitted a five-point memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor. The petition urged the administration to announce a clear timetable for upcoming RUCSU elections. Their broader platform demands include guaranteeing residential housing for all students, introducing monthly allowances for non-resident students, constructing a fully-equipped medical centre, and activating the university Senate to ensure proper campus governance.
