Dhaka, Feb. 1 -- The BNP has asked the Election Commission (EC) not to involve Bangladesh National Cadet Corps personnel in election-related duties for the parliamentary polls and referendum, arguing that their participation could draw students and educational institutions into political controversy.

The demand was raised on Sunday during a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the EC headquarters, where a BNP delegation placed a set of observations and complaints before the commission.

The general election and referendum will be held on Feb 12.

The objections follow the EC's move to deploy around 16,000 BNCC members to assist in election work, a decision earlier communicated by the EC secretary, along with a lett...