The leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has alleged irregularities in vote counting in several constituencies, warning of a “tough programme” if what he described as the true results are not announced.
Speaking on Friday evening after a meeting of the 11-party alliance at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman said that although the overall voting process was “more or less fair,” there had been manipulation during the counting stage in some seats.
He named Dhaka-13, Dhaka-8 and the constituency contested by the party’s secretary general, Golam Porwar, among those where he alleged irregularities in the declaration of results.
“We wanted to practice politics of change. That is not a weakness,” he said. “If corrective steps are not taken within a specific timeframe, we will take to the streets.”
Rahman also alleged that activists, supporters, polling agents and voters linked to the 11-party electoral alliance had come under attack in various parts of the country. He claimed that there had been incidents of assault and arson targeting homes.
“If attacks on our activists and supporters do not stop, the alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami will be compelled to take necessary decisions,” he said, describing the incidents as “fascistic activities”.
He added that if such actions continued after what he referred to as the fall of a previous authoritarian order, it would be “deeply unfortunate for the nation”.
Rahman said those responsible for any wrongdoing would have to bear full responsibility. He also insisted that the July Charter, which was approved in the referendum, must be implemented without compromise.
Nahid Islam, convener of National Citizen Party (NCP), echoed concerns about alleged manipulation. He claimed that in the final phase of voting, some candidates had been declared elected through vote rigging.
“We wanted a fair election, but it is being tarnished,” he said.
Mamunul Haque, ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, alleged that the credibility of the election had been undermined at the last stage. He claimed that new vote figures had been added to documents already signed by polling agents.
