BNP objects to deploying 16,000 BNCC cadets in election duties

BNP has formally opposed the plan to deploy 16,000 Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) members to assist in the 13th parliamentary election and any referendum, arguing that involving students in a sensitive political process could spark controversy within the student community and educational institutions.

The objections were raised during a meeting between a BNP delegation and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin on Sunday (February 1).

Earlier, the Election Commission (EC) secretary had announced the decision to engage BNCC cadets for election support and sent a letter to the relevant ministry seeking necessary arrangements.

Speaking after the meeting, BNP Election Management Committee Chair Nazrul Islam Khan said BNCC cadets are students and should not be involved in a complex political exercise like a national election. He added that the party conveyed its concerns to the EC, which assured that the matter would be reviewed.

Nazrul Islam Khan also warned that deploying BNCC members could open the door to similar demands involving other student organisations such as scouts or girl guides. BNP maintains that only personnel designated by law as part of the law-enforcement apparatus should be assigned election-related duties.

The party also raised concerns over the approval of a large number of election observers. According to BNP, the EC has approved more than 55,000 observers from 81 domestic organisations, questioning the capacity and credibility of some of these groups. BNP urged the commission to ensure that excessive observer presence does not disrupt the polling process.

On voter transfers, Nazrul Islam Khan claimed there has been an unusually high rate of voter relocation over the past one to one-and-a-half years, particularly in Dhaka and other metropolitan areas. While the EC maintains that no constituency has seen more than two to three thousand transfers, BNP said it remains unconvinced.

He further alleged that individuals involved in irregularities related to voter IDs and mobile financial service numbers may also be linked to fake voters or unlawful voter transfers, calling for stronger action from the EC.

BNP also expressed unease over discussions in some areas about forming so-called “peace committees,” noting that the term itself is troubling. The EC, however, said it has taken no decision on such committees.

Additionally, the party demanded strict enforcement of the rule requiring non-residents to leave constituencies at least 48 hours before polling day. BNP argued that the presence of non-voters after the end of campaigning is inappropriate. The EC reportedly assured that steps would be taken.

Finally, BNP alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct, including the use of religious sentiment in campaigning, and criticised the EC for failing to take visible action in such cases.