Students issue 24-hour ultimatum to cancel nominations of dual citizens, loan defaulters

Members of Students Against Discrimination on Monday issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the National Election Commission to cancel the nominations of dual citizens and loan defaulters, warning of nationwide protests if the demand is not met within the stipulated time.

The organisation’s Chief Coordinator, Hasib Al Islam, announced the ultimatum at an emergency press conference held in front of Madhur Canteen at Dhaka University in the afternoon.

Addressing the media, Hasib said validating the nominations of dual citizens and loan defaulters violates the Representation of the People Order and goes against the spirit of the July uprising.

“If they are elected to parliament, it will open the door to even greater corruption and loan defaults. The common people will ultimately suffer,” he said.

Questioning the role of the Election Commission, Hasib added, “If the law is one for ordinary people and another for candidates of political parties, then where is the dignity of the blood of thousands of martyrs?”

He also expressed doubts over the commission’s neutrality.

He strongly criticised government bureaucrats, alleging political bias.

“Previously, the administration leaned towards the Awami League. Now, after Tarique Rahman returned to the country, bureaucrats have leaned towards the BNP. They have not been reformed yet, and the interim government must take responsibility for this,” he said.

Hasib further claimed that the organisation is preparing a list of bureaucrats allegedly involved in enforced disappearances, killings, genocide and vote rigging over the past 15 years.

“They will definitely be brought to justice,” he warned.

He said the movement would take a tough stance if bureaucrats again conspire in favour of any particular group or party.

Urging the Election Commission to reconsider its decision, Hasib said, “There is still time. Prove your neutrality by cancelling the candidacies of loan defaulters and dual citizens. If the decision is not withdrawn within the next 24 hours, we will announce our next movement.”

At the press conference, the organisation’s spokesperson, Synthia Jaheen Ayesha, accused the Election Commission of betraying the blood of those injured and killed in the 2024 mass uprising.

“By validating neo-fascists, loan defaulters and dual citizens, the commission is betraying the aspirations of the mass uprising,” she said.

She alleged that despite huge loan defaults at state-owned banks, the nominations of many candidates have been approved and they remain on the list even while facing ongoing financial cases.

On the issue of dual citizenship, Synthia said candidates are being validated based on vague and questionable documents.

“Even after having foreign passports and evidence of long stays abroad, approvals have been given without proper investigation,” she claimed.

She added, “Those who were not by the side of the country during the crisis and who come like guest birds when opportunities arise have no right to engage in politics.”

She also said loan defaulters have no moral right to represent the people. Synthia warned that strict nationwide programmes would be announced if the nominations are not cancelled within the next 24 hours.