The National Citizen Party (NCP) has raised serious allegations of attempts to occupy polling centers, physical attacks, intimidation, and a “media blackout” ahead of the national election.
The party has called upon law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and urged voters to exercise their franchise in any circumstance.
Speaking at a press conference held at the party’s temporary office at 12am on Thursday, Asif Mahmud, NCP spokesperson and chairman of the Election Steering Committee, detailed reports of irregularities in several constituencies, including Noakhali-6, Kurigram-2, Cumilla-4, Dhaka-11, and Panchagarh-1.
Mahmud specifically alleged that in Panchagarh-1, a municipal convener of the party was beaten by BNP activists, who also extorted Tk20,000 from him. Addressing the security situation, he noted that over 9 lakh members of various law enforcement agencies are deployed to guard the centers and urged them to fulfill their duties diligently.
“You must vote under any circumstances,” Mahmud told voters. “If people refrain from voting out of fear of trouble at the centers, change will not come. Everyone must prioritize their right to vote”.
The party also expressed concerns over the suppression of news regarding election violence. Mahmud claimed that reports of irregularities are being “locked” or deleted after uploading, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty.
Monira Sharmin, member secretary of the NCP Election Steering Committee, provided further details on specific incidents of violence. She alleged that houses near polling stations were being looted and residents threatened to prevent them from voting.
According to Sharmin, BNP activists have reportedly entered several polling centers in Dhaka-11, where supporters of the NCP candidate were also attacked.
In Bandarban Sadar Pourashava, she claimed a Juba Dal leader led an attempt to occupy a center, during which a journalist was severely beaten.
NCP also reported incidents of cocktail explosions, the recovery of petrol bombs, the tearing of banners, and attacks on election offices in areas including Gopalganj, Rajshahi, Dhaka-5, Dhaka-8, and Dhaka-19.
Sharmin also raised institutional concerns, alleging that individuals involved in “vote rigging” during the 2018 and 2024 elections have been re-assigned to election duties this year. However, the party clarified that rumors regarding advance voting in Narayanganj-3 were found to be false.
In response to the alleged media blackout, Sharmin urged the public to take an active role. “We believe we are facing a media blackout. Every one of us must become the media,” she said, calling on citizens to share any irregularities they witness on social media.
