Dhaka: The Election Commission (EC) has revised its initial plan regarding the deployment of Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) cadets in the forthcoming 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. The adjustment limits their role to maintaining discipline solely at postal ballot vote-counting centres, following objections from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
According to United News of Bangladesh, the EC initially intended for BNCC cadets to assist in various election-related duties. However, the revised directive confines their participation exclusively to IT-supported postal ballot vote-counting centres for Out-of-County Voting (OCV) and In-Country Postal Voting (ICPV). This change was formalized in amended instructions signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain.
The 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum are scheduled for February 12. In preparation, the EC has decided that BNCC cadets will be stationed at postal ballot vote-counting centres located at Returning Officers’ offices. Their role will be to assist in maintaining discipline, operating under the guidance of the Returning Officer or Presiding Officer.
On February 1, BNP Electoral Steering Committee Chairman Nazrul Islam Khan addressed reporters following a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner. He expressed the party’s concerns regarding the involvement of BNCC cadets in election activities. Khan stated, “We’ve heard that BNCC cadets, who are students, may be involved in election work for the first time. We told the Commission that involving young students in a complex process like a parliamentary election is not appropriate.”
The BNP leader cautioned that such involvement could make both the cadets and the institution controversial. He also noted that it might eventually lead to demands to involve organizations like Scouts or Girl Guides.
The Election Commission announced the election schedule on December 11, planning to hold the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order concurrently on February 12, 2026.