Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Holds Two-Hour Road Blockade in Front of EC

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal staged a two-hour sit-in and road blockade in front of the Election Commission (EC) headquarters, alleging irregularities in ballot papers and undue influence by a political group in university student union elections.

The protest began around 11:00 am on Sunday (January 18) in front of the EC’s main office in Agargaon and continued until 1:30 pm. As part of a pre-announced programme, the demonstrators peacefully occupied the road to press their demands.

Leaders and activists from the central committee, as well as various units from Dhaka North, Dhaka South and local police station units, took part in the programme. Representatives from nearly all units were present at the demonstration.

Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib said the organisation has serious objections to several decisions of the Election Commission, including issues related to ballot papers. He alleged that a particular political group has been exerting influence to manipulate key decisions of the commission.

He further claimed that leaders of the group regularly meet with the Chief Election Commissioner and other commissioners and move freely within the Election Commission and Secretariat without any official mandate.

Rakibul Islam Rakib said the protest was aimed at ensuring accountability. He warned that the organisation would announce tougher programmes if what he described as undue interference and forced decisions are not stopped.

Meanwhile, security was tightened around the Election Commission premises due to the blockade. Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Coast Guard personnel were deployed from the morning, while members of the army were also seen taking positions in the area later in the day.