Rangamati district Chhatra Dal got a new committee after nearly eight years, with a 23-member partial committee announced last night.

The central unit of Chhatra Dal announced the committee on its Facebook page, instructing local leaders to form a full-fledged committee within 30 days.

Md Ali Ahad has been named president, while Naimul Islam Rony is the general secretary of the new committee.

However, a section of district Chhatra Dal leaders and activists rejected the committee, alleging that most of its office-bearers are married. They boycotted the committee and staged a protest in the district town around 11:00am today.

The demonstration led to a blockade on the road in front of the district BNP office, halting traffic for nearly two-and-a-half hours.

Protesters alleged that the committee includes kidnappers, extortionists, married individuals, and non-students. They warned of continuing protests until the committee is cancelled and a new, qualified, and student-based committee is formed.

Fazrul Islam, a contender for the president post, said, “We wanted a student-based committee that would recognise the sacrifices of leaders during difficult times. But this committee does not reflect that. Around 70 percent of its members are married.”

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the student wing of BNP, typically enforces a rule that leaders, especially for top positions, must be unmarried and active students.

Responding to the allegations, the new committee’s President Md Ali Ahad said, “It is natural for everyone to have expectations. We will work with all, and the full committee will properly evaluate leaders and activists.”

District BNP General Secretary Mamunur Rashid said he has already communicated the issue to the central Chhatra Dal.

“Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan is looking into the matter. I hope a positive solution will be reached,” he added.