Former coordinators of the Students Against Discrimination have voiced concern over delays in the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) election process and issued a four-point demand, with the immediate release of the draft voter list as a key priority.

At a press conference held outside the RUCSU building at 1:00pm today, they called for the list to be published within three days, warning that failure to do so would be viewed as an attempt to sabotage the polls.

They demanded that only students enrolled at Rajshahi University up to April 28, 2025, be included in the list and called for strict adherence to the previously announced election roadmap, including setting a specific date for the vote.

The group also asked the RUCSU Election Commission to announce the election schedule within seven days following consultations with stakeholders.

They urged the university administration to restrict the entry of outsiders and motorcycles to ensure campus security.

In their written statement, the former coordinators alleged that different administrative wings of the university were showing reluctance and raising doubts about the election.

While a roadmap has been declared, they said it was not being followed.

They pointed out that the election code of conduct was supposed to be issued on April 13 and the draft voter list on April 28 — neither of which had been fulfilled.

The delay, they claimed, appeared deliberate and raised questions about the administration's intent, undermining students' trust in the process.

They believe the confrontational stance of political parties in recent days is disrupting the academic environment and creating security concerns on campus.

Responding to a reporter's question, former coordinator Mehedi Sajeeb said, "We are not naming anyone directly, but if there had been no obstruction, the draft voter list would have been published on time. The administration announced a date but is now making excuses. The Election Commission hasn't even held a single meeting."

He said the lack of initiative suggested an absence of will within the university authorities.

"Had there been genuine interest, Rajshahi University could have led the way in reviving student union elections in the country," he said.

On whether the suspension of the Rajshahi University Alumni Association (RUAA) election might affect RUCSU, he said, "RUAA involves former students, while RUCSU is for current ones. But the way the RUAA election was stopped gives rise to fears that similar tactics may be applied here. We are linking the two incidents."

Prof Amzad Hossain, the chief election commissioner of the RUCSU election, said he had just returned to Rajshahi and received the relevant letter only a day earlier.

"I was out of Rajshahi for a few days. After returning, I received the letter yesterday. I will soon call everyone and hold a meeting. We are very positive about the RUCSU election," he said.