Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Protests at Election Commission for Second Consecutive Day

International Desk: PNN

For the second consecutive day, leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, are staging a sit-in in front of the main office of the Election Commission (EC) in Agargaon, demanding action on three issues, including allegations of bias in postal ballots. The organization has announced that the protest will continue until their demands are met.

On Monday (today) around 11:30 a.m., Chhatra Dal leaders from various units gathered as scheduled in front of the EC office. Thousands of leaders and activists from educational institutions across the country participated, including the central president and general secretary.

On Sunday, the student wing had conducted the same protest from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Afterward, central president Rakibul Islam announced that the protest would continue on Monday if their demands were not addressed.

Chhatra Dal’s allegations include serious concerns over the EC’s impartiality regarding postal ballot decisions. They claim that the commission, under pressure from a specific political group, is taking hasty actions without responsible and reasoned decision-making, undermining its independence and professionalism. They also criticized a recent directive regarding Shahjalal University of Science and Technology student union elections as unprecedented and controversial.

On Monday, law enforcement deployed barricades for security in front of the EC main gate. Student activists blocked the road at the barricades and staged their protest, raising slogans and giving brief speeches. No untoward incidents were reported.

Chhatra Dal leaders stated that a five-member delegation had met with the Election Commission on Sunday to present their stance on the three demands. While the commission gave assurances, visible progress was lacking, prompting the second day of protest.

The leaders emphasized that their movement will continue to ensure transparency in the electoral process and promote democratic practices.