With election to Ducsu being slated for March 11 and other public universities also planning to hold polls, students and teachers of Rajshahi College are hoping that their longstanding demand for the student union election will be met soon.

Established in 1873 in Rajshahi city, the college is one of the oldest institutions for higher education in the country.

The students' union of the college has been inactive for almost three decades. The last election was held in 1991.

Nur Mohammad Siam, president of the college unit of BCL, said, "For the sake of a healthy political environment, the college authorities should hold the election immediately."

"If elected representatives of students in the election to the student union, we can stand up for their rights," said president of the pro-Awami League student body.

Rifat Hossain Antor, president of the college unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, said, "We also want the election. In absence of a student union, politics on the campus has become unhealthy."

Ohidur Rahman, organising secretary of Bangladesh Chhatra Maitree, echoed them.

Shariful Islam Babu, a former vice president of the college's students’ union, said, "The election should be held on a regular basis for the proper development of student politics."

Contacted, Prof Habibur Rahman, principal of the college, said, "Students of this college have played a vital role in every movement including the Language Movement and Liberation War."

"I have discussed the matter with teachers. They are also in favour of the election. However, we want to wait for the Ducsu election first. Then we will make a decision," said the principal.