BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (Dec 28) expressed concerns over Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus's recent suggestion to lower the minimum voting age to 17, arguing that it could delay the election process. 

Fakhrul said the proposal would require the preparation of a new voter list, causing further delays.

Speaking at a discussion organized by a faction of the Jatiya Gonotantrik Party (Jagpa) at the Jatiya Press Club, Fakhrul criticized Yunus for raising an issue without prior consultation with stakeholders. 

He argued that the matter should have been left to the Election Commission to decide.

Fakhrul also emphasized that the current minimum voting age of 18 is widely accepted and any change should involve discussions with political parties. 

He warned that Yunus's statement puts undue pressure on the Election Commission and could lead to unnecessary controversy.

Earlier, Yunus had proposed lowering the voting age to 17 during a video message at a dialogue hosted by the Forum for Bangladesh Studies, advocating for greater youth participation in the democratic process.

BDST: 1539 HRS, DEC 28, 2024
MN/SMS