11-Party Alliance Alleges Manipulation of Election Results

In the 13th National Parliament election, Shafiqul Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, alleged that even though the voting process was “fair,” the results were manipulated through “irregularities and rigging.” He made these claims during a press conference held on Friday night at Jamaat’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka, organized on behalf of the 11-party electoral alliance.

At the press conference, Shafiqul Rahman also accused attacks on the workers, supporters, agents, and voters of the 11-party alliance across the country, comparing these actions to “fascist activities.”

He said, “Elections always involve wins and losses, and that is normal. If the results are determined fairly, everyone usually accepts them. But if significant irregularities occur, it naturally raises questions.”

Regarding the attacks on alliance members and supporters, he stated, “The responsibility lies entirely with those who engage in such misconduct. Those who won a majority of seats in the election must answer for this. We have closely monitored these actions and have objections.”

Shafiqul Rahman alleged that during the announcement of election results, the broadcasting of results was suddenly stopped in several areas. He said, “We have documents showing that result sheets were tampered with in multiple places. Some constituencies were subjected to double standards.”

He referred to the case of Nasiruddin Patwari, saying, “What happened there, including the center takeover under the leadership of a party leader’s relative, has been witnessed by the nation.”

He added that those whose rights were forcibly taken would seek redress, warning, “If we receive justice within a specific timeframe, fine. If not, we will be compelled to take our own course. We hope the Election Commission will act wisely and fairly; if not, the responsibility will be theirs.”

Shafiqul Rahman also claimed that in some areas, fascists are being rehabilitated, noting, “We observed this even during election campaigning. Remember, anyone who disrespects the aspirations of February 24 will not be forgiven by the nation or the youth.”

Regarding the referendum results, he said, “The majority of the people have expressed their decision in favor of the referendum. It must be implemented, and we do not want to see any changes. ‘Yes’ has won in the referendum. It is the responsibility of those who will form the government to implement it.”

At the same press conference, Nahid Islam, Convener of Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP), also alleged vote rigging. He said, “There was clear manipulation of results in this election. Voting was fair up to a certain stage, which we welcomed. But at the time of result announcement, several specific constituencies were targeted, and their results were forcibly altered.”

Specifically mentioning Dhaka-8 and Dhaka-13 constituencies, Nahid said, “The centers were taken over, and the administration was forcibly used to change the results at those centers.”

Maulana Mamunul Haque, Ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and 11-party alliance candidate in Dhaka-13, added, “While the voting was conducted properly, the counting process was completely reversed, showing extreme disrespect toward the future of Bangladesh and the people’s mandate. Those responsible must answer to the people of Bangladesh.”