A protest erupted at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) on Monday night following the Election Commission's announcement banning elections of any organisation or association, including professional bodies, across the country ahead of the 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12.
Soon after the EC's declaration, students of SUST gathered in front of the university's IICT building around 11pm and staged a protest, causing unrest on the campus late at night.
Aggrieved students said the decision would further delay the student council elections, which have already been postponed for a long time citing national elections, and described the move as a violation of students' democratic rights.
Mujahidul Islam, a candidate for the post of general secretary of the Shibir-supported Durbar Sastian Oikya Panel, said the continued postponement of the student council polls was unacceptable.
"The student council elections have been delayed for a long time. Now they are being stopped again in the name of national elections. We want our representation. This is our fundamental right, and we will not accept this conspiracy," he said.
The protesters demanded immediate withdrawal of the EC's announcement and warned of stricter action if their demands were not met.