Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 31st July 2025, 7:38 PM
After a prolonged gap of 35 years, the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RAKSU) is set to hold elections once again. This upcoming election has sparked enthusiasm and anticipation among students, eager to witness the emergence of fresh leadership. Several student organisations have already begun preparations in earnest.
RAKSU has historically served not just as a platform for safeguarding student rights, but also as a cradle of national political leadership. An exploration of its past reveals that many leaders who started their journey in RAKSU between the 1960s and 1980s later played significant roles in Bangladesh’s national politics.
Historical Overview of RAKSU
| Aspect | Details |
| First Election | Academic Year 1956–57 |
| Initial Name | Rajshahi University Students’ Union |
| Renaming & Formal Launch | In 1962, rebranded as Central Students’ Union (RAKSU) |
| Total Elections Held | 16 elections between 1962 and 1989 |
| Last Election | Held in 1989 |
In the decades leading up to the last election, RAKSU produced numerous leaders who later became influential political figures at the national level. Their journeys demonstrate the pivotal role that student politics has played in shaping Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Notable Figures Who Rose Through RAKSU
| Name | RAKSU Position & Tenure | Later Political Roles |
| Abu Sayeed | Vice President (1965–66) | Former State Minister for Information, Member of Parliament |
| Nurul Islam Thandu | Vice President (1973–74) | Central Executive Committee Member, Awami League; MP Candidate |
| Fazlur Rahman Patal | Vice President (1974–75) | BNP MP; Known for early political brilliance |
| Shamsul Haque Tuku | General Secretary in the 1970s | MP, Former State Minister for Home Affairs (Awami League) |
| Fazle Hossain Badsha | Vice President (1980–81) | General Secretary, Workers Party; MP from Rajshahi under Awami League alliance |
| Ruhul Kabir Rizvi | Vice President (1989–90) | Senior Joint Secretary General and Spokesperson, BNP |
| Ruhul Quddus Babu | General Secretary (1989–90) | Politician affiliated with Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) |
| Nurul Islam Bulbul | GS of Shaheed Shamsuzzoha Hall (1990) | Former President of Islami Chhatra Shibir; Current Ameer, Jamaat-e-Islami, Dhaka South; Member of Jamaat’s Central Executive Council; MP Candidate for Chapainawabganj-3 |
Election Schedule for RAKSU 2025
The upcoming RAKSU election is scheduled for 15 September, as announced by Chief Election Commissioner Professor Enamul Haque during a press briefing at the Rajshahi University Senate Building on Monday, 28 July.
Official Timeline
| Date | Event |
| 31 July | Code of Conduct Published |
| 6 August | Draft Voter List Released |
| 7 & 10–12 August | Objection Period and Resolution Regarding Voter List |
| 14 August | Final Voter List Published |
| 17–19 August | Nomination Form Distribution |
| 21, 24–25 August | Submission of Nomination Forms |
| 27–28 August | Scrutiny of Nomination Forms |
| 31 August | Preliminary Candidate List Announced |
| 2 September | Withdrawal of Nominations |
| 4 September | Final Candidate List Published |
| 15 September | Election Day |
Reactions from the University Community
Students and faculty members have welcomed the return of this significant democratic exercise, which many view as a step toward reviving democratic practice and fostering future political leadership.
Mehedi Sojib, a Master’s student in Social Work, stated:
“Through the reactivation of RAKSU, students will not only be able to assert their rights and engage in social and cultural activities, but also develop long-term political outputs. It can serve as a nursery for national leadership.”
Dr Md Faridul Islam, Professor of Marketing, remarked:
“RAKSU was a platform that enabled young individuals to develop their thought processes, oratory skills, and leadership qualities. Many who led RAKSU later held influential positions in Parliament, Cabinet, or political parties.”
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