Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 18th January 2026, 11:05 AM
The Bangladesh Nationalist Student’s (BNSL) staged a significant sit-in at the Election Commission (EC) headquarters in Agargaon today, protesting what they describe as biased and controversial decisions regarding postal ballots, and other politically influenced actions by the Commission.
The demonstration commenced at 11:00 a.m., with BNSL leaders and activists from across the country participating. Central figures at the event included the organisation’s President, Rakibul Islam Rakib, and General Secretary, Nasir Uddin Nasir, alongside several other senior leaders. Thousands of student leaders from universities and colleges also joined the protest, underscoring the scale of student discontent.
On the ground, law enforcement personnel had erected barricades in front of the main EC gate. Despite the security measures, BNSL members blocked the adjoining road while delivering speeches and highlighting their demands.
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Postal Ballot Controversy | Alleged biased and questionable decisions by the EC regarding postal ballots, raising serious doubts over the neutrality of the election process. |
| 2. Political Pressure | Decisions perceived to be influenced by a specific political group, replacing responsible and rational judgment with hasty, short-sighted choices, casting doubt on the Commission’s independence and professionalism. |
| 3. University Election Interference | A controversial and unprecedented EC notification concerning the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) student union election, seen as a direct political intervention threatening democratic practices within the university. |
Meanwhile, the final day of appeal hearings against returning officers’ decisions regarding nomination papers for the 13th National Parliamentary elections is underway at the Agargaon EC building. The proceedings began at 10:30 a.m., presided over by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A. M. M. Nasir Uddin.
According to the EC’s schedule, appeals numbered 611 to 645 will be heard today, along with pending appeals awaiting verdicts from previous sessions. A one-hour break has been scheduled at midday, with hearings set to continue into the afternoon.
The BNSL has stated that their protest aims to demand fair, transparent, and impartial elections, warning that continued political interference could undermine both the electoral process and democratic practices in educational institutions. The sit-in marks a significant mobilisation of student voices in the national political landscape.
Comments