Rajshahi: The Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) elections, along with the Hall Council and Senate Student Representative votes, will be counted using a modern Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) machine. The entire counting process will be visible on a giant screen placed in front of the Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Election Commissioner Prof Mostofa Kamal Akanda stated that the election will conclude at 4:00 pm, after which the ballot boxes will be transported to the auditorium. The ballots will be organized into 100 bundles based on color, and each bundle will be processed through the OMR machine for counting. An expert team will oversee the entire procedure, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
Prof Akanda explained that the counting for each hall will occur in three stages, and the processing and verification of results from all 17 halls are expected to take 14 to 16 hours. The method aims to alleviate any tension and stress among candidates and students. Journalists will have the opportunity to report live from the auditorium. "Technology-based initiatives have been adopted to ensure transparency and flawlessness," he added.
The election commission has also organized a daylong training session for candidates and polling agents on campus. Chief Election Commissioner Prof F Nazrul Islam confirmed that all necessary preparations are complete, ensuring a peaceful and successful election on October 16.
This election marks a significant moment, reviving student representation at Rajshahi University after a 35-year hiatus. The commission reports that 28,905 students are eligible to vote, with 17,600 from 11 male dormitories and 11,305 from six female dormitories. There are 903 candidates participating: 248 for RUCSU, 597 for Hall Councils, and 58 for Senate seats.