Student League leaders and activists gathered in front of the Election Commission (EC) building on Sunday (18 January) to carry out a road blockade program, protesting what they described as the EC’s biased behavior and questionable decisions regarding postal ballots, along with political influence in various rulings.
According to the pre-planned program, Student League members started assembling in front of the EC building from the morning. The organization said the protest aims to oppose the disruption of the election environment in educational institutions and the growing influence of a specific political group within the EC.
Student League President Rakibul Islam Rakib alleged that the EC is forcefully altering election decisions to favor a particular student organization, claiming this could set a blueprint for large-scale manipulation in national elections.
The three main allegations raised by the Student League are:
Biased and questionable decisions by the EC regarding postal ballots, raising serious doubts about election neutrality.
Hasty and short-sighted decisions under pressure from a specific political group, undermining the EC’s independence and professionalism.
Unprecedented and controversial EC notifications concerning Shahjalal University of Science and Technology student union elections, influenced by a political party, threatening the university’s democratic practices.
Rakib said the protest aims to hold the EC accountable. He warned that if these forced decisions and political interference continue, the Student League will announce more stringent measures.
