Dhaka, Jan 18 (V7N) — Leaders and activists of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal gathered in front of the Election Commission (EC) building in the capital on Sunday as part of a previously announced program to surround the EC office, alleging biased conduct, controversial decisions, and political interference by the commission.

Chhatra Dal activists began assembling in the area from the morning, protesting what they described as the deterioration of the electoral environment in educational institutions and the alleged influence of a particular political group over the Election Commission.

According to the organization, the program was organized to protest the EC’s role in what it claims are forced changes in election-related decisions and efforts to benefit a specific student organization through a “special arrangement.”

Speaking at the program, Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib alleged that the commission’s actions indicate a larger plan for manipulation in the upcoming national elections. He claimed that a “blueprint for major rigging” is being prepared through these decisions.

Chhatra Dal placed three specific allegations against the Election Commission. First, it accused the EC of taking biased and questionable decisions regarding postal ballots, which it said have raised serious concerns about the impartiality of the election process. Second, the organization alleged that the commission is making stubborn and short-sighted decisions under pressure from a particular political group, thereby undermining its independence and professionalism. Third, it criticized the EC for issuing what it termed an unprecedented and controversial notification regarding the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Student Union election, claiming it was done under direct political influence.

Warning the Election Commission through the siege program, Rakibul Islam Rakib said the protest was aimed at ensuring accountability. “If these coercive decisions and the influence of a particular group are not stopped, we will announce more stringent programs in the future,” he said.

Law enforcement agencies were deployed in the area to maintain order. No untoward incident was reported till the filing of this report.

END/SMA/AJ