Tasin Khan becomes first female VP candidate in RUCSU’s 63-year history

For the first time in the 63-year history of the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU), a female student has announced her candidacy for the post of Vice President (VP). Tasin Khan, a student of the Institute of Education and Research (session 2020–21), made the announcement in a Facebook post at 10:00 AM on Friday. She has already collected her nomination papers.

Tasin’s candidacy has been met with widespread support from well-wishers. However, she has expressed concerns over potential cyberbullying and personal attacks during the campaign period.

“I’ve made this decision after much thought and discussion with those close to me,” she told the media. “Although I don’t have political backing, funding, or an organized team, I’m contesting because I believe in the importance of RUCSU and want to contribute meaningfully.”

Tasin was a frontline activist during the recent July Movement and served as the coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement at Rajshahi University. Her involvement in student activism has shaped her political awareness and commitment to social justice on campus.

Since RUCSU’s establishment in 1964, elections have been held 14 times until they were suspended in 1989. While several women have participated in elections for central posts, none have previously contested the VP position.

“I want a RUCSU where freedom of expression, cultural pluralism, and human values are upheld in everyday life,” said Tasin. “This platform has remained inactive for too long — I want to help make it active and effective again.”

Reflecting on her activism, she added, “During the July uprising, I thought I might never return to a normal life. I faced real risks and saw death up close. Coming back from that, I feel no fear of loss and no greed for gain. I’m not affiliated with any political organization — my conscience guides me.”

Despite her optimism, Tasin remains wary of potential threats. “This election involves significant power dynamics, and tensions may rise on campus,” she warned. “There’s a risk of cyberbullying, character assassination, and the spread of doctored images. The university had promised to establish an anti-cyberbullying cell, but we’ve yet to see any action.”

As the RUCSU election gains momentum, Tasin Khan’s candidacy marks a historic and symbolic moment for gender representation in student politics at Rajshahi University.