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Chhatra Dal leader expelled over controversial paddy vote-buying admission

A student organisation leader has been removed from his position following an online apology in which he acknowledged seeking votes in exchange for sheaves of paddy. The expulsion marks a rare disciplinary action within the politically-connected student wing.

LSN Bangladesh · 22 September 2026

Chhatra Dal leader expelled over controversial paddy vote-buying admission

The Chhatra Dal, the student wing of Bangladesh's Jatiya Party, has expelled a leader after he publicly apologised for engaging in vote-buying practices during recent internal elections. The leader's admission, made through a social media post, indicated he had solicited votes by offering paddy to party members, a practice considered unethical within organisational protocols.

The disciplinary action was taken following the emergence of the apology, which directly contradicted expected standards of conduct for student political leaders. The expulsion underscores ongoing concerns about electoral practices within student organisations and party wings across Bangladesh.

Internal party sources indicated that the leadership acted swiftly to address the matter, viewing the public acknowledgment of vote-buying as damaging to the organisation's credibility. The incident reflects broader scrutiny of student political bodies regarding transparency and ethical standards in their internal processes.

The Chhatra Dal has not issued a formal statement detailing the full circumstances or providing additional context regarding the expulsion. Student organisations in Bangladesh frequently face criticism over governance practices and the conduct of their leadership elections.