Staff Correspondent

Bangladesh Bhumihin Andolon formed a human chain and submitted a memorandum to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Sunday  demanding the immediate withdrawal of the proposal to increase security deposits for candidates contesting local government elections.

The demonstration was held in front of the Election Commission Secretariat in Agargaon, Dhaka, at 11:00 am on Sunday, under the chairmanship of Bangladesh Bhumihin Andolon General Secretary Sheikh Nasir Uddin.

Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Nasir Uddin argued that local government elections serve as the bedrock of grassroots democracy in Bangladesh, offering marginalized populations—including landless citizens, farmers, laborers, and low-income groups—the opportunity to secure public representation. He stated that raising nomination security deposits creates an artificial financial barrier, effectively restricting electoral participation to affluent individuals and undermining democratic principles.

To ensure inclusive participation, the organization presented a six-point charter of demands:

Revising and withdrawing the proposed deposit hike, with specific reduced rates proposed at Tk 10,000 for Upazila Parishad Chairmen and Pourashava Mayors, Tk 5,000 for Upazila Vice Chairmen, Tk 3,000 for Union Parishad Chairmen, and Tk 1,000 for Union Parishad Ward Members.

Ensuring financial capacity does not act as a barrier for general and marginalized citizens seeking candidacy.

Implementing administrative measures to facilitate the political participation of qualified individuals from landless, agrarian, and working-class backgrounds.

Taking effective steps by the Election Commission to guarantee free, fair, neutral, and inclusive local government elections.

Refraining from adopting regulatory decisions that restrict broad civic participation in the electoral process.

Integrating marginalized communities into the democratic framework under the core principle of "Rehabilitation and khas land rights prior to development."

Leaders from various political and social organizations expressed solidarity at the rally, including Justice and Democracy Party Joint General Secretary Md. Abdul Hamid, Gano Songskriti Songstha Chief Coordinator Abul Kalam Azad, Rashtra Adhyayan Kendra representative Babar Chowdhury, and Rashtra Songskoron Andolon Executive Member Abul Hossain Omi. Following the demonstration, a delegation submitted the formal memorandum to the CEC office for administrative consideration.