BNP Central Election Steering Committee spokesperson and adviser to the party chairman, Mahdi Amin, has described the arrest of a Jamaat-e-Islami leader with over half a crore taka at Saidpur Airport on the eve of elections as proof of the party’s bankruptcy, unethical influence, and violation of election conduct rules.
He made the remark during a press conference at the party’s Gulshan office on Wednesday afternoon.
He cited the arrest of the Thakurgaon district Jamaat leader at Saidpur airport carrying over half a crore taka as a clear example. He questioned the purpose and intended recipients of such a large sum transported from Dhaka just before the polls, especially when banking, financial, and business activities remain suspended to prevent illegal transactions.
Mahdi Amin said “During the continuous four days when all business activities in the country are closed, it does not take an expert to understand how such a huge sum could have any legitimate business use.”
He emphasised that this blatant breach of election conduct demonstrates the attempts of isolated political parties to wield unethical influence.
He added that those who claim to fight corruption and uphold justice must answer how buying votes with cash aligns with their anti-corruption rhetoric.
Mahdi Amin also warned that a faction is trying to create obstacles against BNP’s inevitable victory.
He stressed “Saidpur incident cannot be seen as isolated. Similar illegal cash distribution has been reported in other constituencies, including Dhaka-15, Cumilla, Noakhali, and Khulna.”
“Previously, Jamaat activists have collected voters’ Bkash numbers and voter IDs for cash or religious ticket incentives, which have already been rejected by the public” he added.
Mahdi Amin highlighted that in many areas, Jamaat-linked militants are using weapons, bamboo sticks, pipes, and stamps to intimidate voters.
“Law enforcement has already detained many involved in violence, arson, and illegal distribution of cash” he said.
He cited an incident in Bogura-4 where BNP leader Masud Rana lost sight in one eye during an attack by Jamaat militants, and his mother later died of a stroke. He demanded swift justice.
Calling for accountability, Mahdi Amin urged the Election Commission, returning officers, and law enforcement to treat every such incident with utmost seriousness and take immediate action. He observed that ordinary voters are standing firm against attempts at vote-buying and disruption.
He also addressed measures to prevent fraudulent voting. Mahdi Amin stressed verifying voter identity before polling, especially in cases of burka or niqab use.
“Voter verification should include checking faces against NID, Hajj, Umrah, passport, or visa photos, with female presiding officers and challengers ensuring the process is secure” he said.
Mahdi Amin revealed additional evidence of election manipulation, citing the seizure of illegal seals in Laxmipur and confessions from a printing press owner about instructions received from party leaders.
“Preliminary investigations confirmed links between the party, the seized items, and candidates, demonstrating attempts to influence the elections” he mentions.
Reiterating BNP’s commitment to democracy, Mahdi Amin said the party represents the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people, defending human rights and countering fascism. He urged all responsible political actors to respect public opinion and participate sincerely in ensuring a free, fair, and transparent election.
He called on citizens to visit polling stations early and participate enthusiastically. “This election is not just about casting votes—it is about safeguarding rights, freedoms, and sovereignty. Inshallah, it will restore state ownership to the people,” he said.
Mahdi Amin concluded by stating that BNP’s victory is inevitable. He highlighted the party’s widespread popularity across religious, ethnic, and geographic communities, and reaffirmed that the public continues to overwhelmingly support BNP in its long-standing struggle to restore democratic rights.
