Google Alert – Bangladesh Army
The Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) has called for a radical overhaul of election management, proposing that non-voting student volunteers be deployed alongside law enforcement to maintain law and order and uphold the election code of conduct during the upcoming polls.
The proposal was among a 9-point reform agenda presented by AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju to Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin during a meeting at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon on Wednesday.
Emphasising the need for a safe, fair, and violence-free electoral process, Manju expressed concerns over the capacity of existing law enforcement agencies, including police, army, and Ansar, to fully control the volatile political environment, especially in light of past incidents of election-related violence.
“We fear the traditional forces alone may not be able to manage the situation effectively,” Manju said, “That’s why we’ve proposed a new kind of election volunteer, especially young, non-voting students, to support the process.”
Drawing inspiration from the Safe Road Movement and the youth-led uprising of July 2024, Manju highlighted how students played a pivotal role in managing crisis situations after the Milestone tragedy, from organising blood donations to maintaining order in hospitals.
“Teenage students stepped up where even the police couldn’t. They showed discipline, courage, and moral authority. If we can mobilize these young people as election volunteers, they can appeal to voters and candidates alike: no violence, no code violations,” he said.
Calling for systemic change, Manju urged the Election Commission to abandon traditional polling venues and instead hold elections in large open spaces such as school grounds, stadiums, playgrounds, and educational institutions.
“If you plan a traditional election, you’ll be responsible for the lives of 1,400 people and the blood of thousands. You must plan a revolutionary election, think differently, act boldly,” he said.
The AB Party’s comprehensive 9-point proposal includes establishing student-led volunteer units to assist in election monitoring and enforce the code of conduct, holding polling in open and neutral venues such as stadiums and school grounds to ensure transparency and safety, and introducing a Proportional Representation (PR) system for at least 100 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad if a bicameral upper house is formed — or abolishing the upper house altogether if PR cannot be guaranteed.
The party also calls for granting voting rights to Bangladeshi citizens living abroad, allowing dual citizens to stand as candidates in national and local elections, and developing model election campaign guidelines to curb hate speech and misinformation.
Additionally, the proposal urges the Election Commission to organise direct, televised debates between candidates and to launch nationwide voter awareness campaigns through traditional media and social platforms, including targeted educational programs for young voters in collaboration with schools and academic institutions.
In response to concerns about election preparedness, Manju expressed confidence that the polls could be held in February 2026, provided the Election Commission addresses key structural and security challenges.
“We’re not just raising concerns — we’re offering solutions. With these reforms, a free, fair, and peaceful election is possible.”
The AB Party delegation included General Secretary Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad and other senior leaders.