Leaders and activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) staged a sit-in programme in front of the Election Commission (EC) building in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Sunday, protesting three issues, including the placement of the ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol on the fold of postal ballots sent to expatriate voters.
JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib warned that the organisation would surround the EC throughout the night if their demands were not met. The sit-in began around 11:00am on Sunday (January 18) in front of the EC building.
Alongside the JCD president, General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir and other senior leaders of the organisation were present at the programme.
Addressing the protest, Rakibul Islam Rakib alleged that the ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol had been placed on the fold of the ballot paper as part of a conspiracy. He also criticised what he described as an unprecedented and controversial EC gazette issued under the direct influence and interference of a political party regarding the Shahjalal University Central Students’ Union election, calling it a threat to democratic practices at universities.
“We want to know on what basis this decision was taken. If our demands are not met, this programme will continue day and night,” he said.
Dhaka City East unit JCD General Secretary Abdul Hannan Majumdar alleged irregularities in the postal ballot process. He questioned how permission for a student union election could be granted ahead of a national election and said they would not leave the EC premises until their demands were met.
“JCD members have made the highest sacrifices. If necessary, we will shed blood again and will not leave the streets,” he added.