The BNP has declared its victory inevitable while calling upon its leaders and activists to remain vigilant and cautious until the final election results are announced.
Mahdi Amin, spokesperson of the BNP Central Election Steering Committee and adviser to the Chairman, made this call during a press conference held at the election management office in Gulshan on Thursday evening following the conclusion of polling.
He stated, “I urgently call upon the pro-democracy people: everyone must remain vigilant to ensure the election results are secured. Those from BNP and its associated and affiliated organisations who are involved in election management must also remain alert and cautious. This is necessary to ensure that no irregularities occur in the proper counting and declaration of results under any circumstances.”
Speaking at the press conference organised at the BNP Election Steering Committee office, Mahdi Amin expressed confidence that the elected government will sincerely uphold the mandate of the people in democratic Bangladesh, reflecting the emotions and aspirations with which the nation’s citizens exercised their franchise.
Mahdi Amin extended sincere thanks and greetings to the Election Commission, the armed forces, the interim government, law enforcement agencies, and all others involved in conducting the Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election and referendum. The BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson also expressed condolences and sympathy to the families of those who were tragically killed and injured due to violence during this election.
Mahdi Amin stated, “We have witnessed that from Wednesday night onward, violence, rigging, and a festival of black money erupted in various places in an attempt to make the election controversial. Those entrusted with security played a crucial role. The people also set an example of united resistance.”
He said the primary objective of these code of conduct violations since Wednesday night was to counter the vast visible difference between BNP and its rival political party. For this purpose, despicable attempts were made to discourage voters through threats and keep them away from polling centers. If these unfortunate incidents had not occurred, voter turnout at polling centers might have been even higher.
Mahdi Amin further remarked, “We have regrettably observed that pre-stamped ballot papers were found in many places, and fake votes were cast. While there have been allegations of deaths in some instances, there are also complaints that many people were unable to cast their own votes—reestablishing the malpractices reminiscent of the fascist era where one person’s vote was cast by another.”
He added that by creating fake local observers, they also attempted to form mobs which created obstructions to voter presence. “We had informed the Election Commission about this long ago. The Commission took some steps in certain cases, but had the measures been more sincere and comprehensive, it could have been prevented more effectively.”
Mahdi Amin asserted that the identified political party utilised social media in such a manner as to instill fear among voters regarding casting their votes. “The reality is, BNP’s victory is inevitable and absolute, and we firmly believe that no attempt to undermine this will succeed.”
The BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson further stated, “We firmly believe that the victory of BNP through the Sheaf of Paddy tide is the victory of democracy itself. Bangladesh’s victory is imminent, Insha’Allah.”
Also present at the press conference were BNP Media Cell Convener Professor Mawdud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, member Shayrul Kabir Khan, and others.
