Controversy has erupted at Rajshahi University after the local chapter of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir publicly questioned the official expenditure claims made by Salahuddin Ammar, General Secretary of the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RAKSU). Student wing leaders have termed the financial statements “unrealistic,” demanding complete transparency and a thorough breakdown of funds allegedly withdrawn for administrative operations.
The issue came to light during a press briefing held on Tuesday at 11:30 AM at the university’s transport market intersection. Addressing journalists in attendance, University Shibir President Mujahid Faisal raised serious concerns regarding financial management within the student union. He alleged that the RAKSU General Secretary had withdrawn approximately 370,000 BDT under the guise of official administrative tasks, subsequently attributing the expenses to various university departments.
According to Faisal, independent evaluations conducted by student representatives suggest that operational costs across those specific departments should not exceed 50,000 to 60,000 BDT in total. He argued that attributing inflated expenses to other institutional branches is an unacceptable method to deflect potential personal discrepancies. Demanding absolute accountability, the Shibir leadership called for verifiable documentation and clear proof of expenditure for every single department involved. Furthermore, because Ammar was not elected from their panel, the student organisation explicitly stated they would bear no responsibility or liability for his individual activities or financial records.
Attempts to reach RAKSU GS Salahuddin Ammar for a response regarding these allegations were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
Aside from addressing financial transparency, the press conference served as a platform for the Rajshahi University Shibir branch to present a comprehensive charter of demands concerning campus governance. Their core propositions included the prompt official declaration of a schedule for upcoming RAKSU elections, the formal integration of these polls into the university’s academic calendar, and the establishment of a concrete roadmap to ensure one hundred percent residential accommodation for all students.
Additional demands featured the introduction of housing allowances for non-residential students, the founding of a fully equipped and modern medical centre, and the revitalisation of the dormant university senate to restore democratic oversight. The briefing was attended by several notable figures, including University Shibir General Secretary Mehedi Hasan, Publicity and Media Secretary Mehedi Sajib, alongside various elected RAKSU hall representatives and local activists.
