The age-limit for the new central body of Bangladesh Chhatra League, the ruling Awami League (AL) students' wing, has been fixed at 29.
AL President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made the announcement in its inaugural session of the two-day council at the city's historic Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka on Saturday.
"Earlier, I fixed the age-limit 27 eligible to get leadership in Chhatra League. But two years have been delayed as vandalism in the name of 'resist election' in Bangladesh unleashed from May, 2013 and that the anarchy continued for one year. Under the circumstances, not only law enforcers but also Chhatra League leaders and workers had to play role in protecting lives and properties of the people," she said.
Under the persisting anarchic situation it was not possible to organise normal organisational activities, she added.
"Many leaders and workers of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) had to lay down their lives and suffer inhuman torture to protect the lives and properties. For this reason, two years have been delayed. So, grace period should be provided. So that, age limit will be 29 for the 28th conference," said Hasina.
"Nobody should forget that polls in transparent ballot boxes were introduced through the election of Chhatra League. Now transparent ballot boxes have been used in national election. But, Chhatra League first introduced it.
The councillors will take decision in a democratic way to choose their new leadership by exercising their franchise," Sheikh Hasina said advising the BCL workers to choose honest, meritorious, dedicated and competent as well as regular student leaders befitting to the glorious track record of BCL.
Earlier, the Awami League president inaugurated the BCL council by hoisting national flag to the tune of national anthem and releasing white pigeons in the sky while and standards of BCL.
AL Advisory Council Member and Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, General Secretary and Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam, Presidium Member and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader addressed the inaugural session with BCL President HM Badiuzzaman Sohag in the chair.
BCL General Secretary Siddiqui Nazmul Alam, Convener of the Council Preparatory Committee and BCL Vice-President Joydeb Nandi, Election Commissioner of the council Sumon Kundu also addressed the conference.