Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarker on Sunday said the Election Commission (EC) would consider recounting votes in disputed constituencies if directed by a court, following allegations of irregularities raised by a Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance.
Speaking to reporters at the Election Commission headquarters, Anwarul said the commission has responded to the alliance’s formal complaint submitted earlier in the day.
“The Election Commission will take a decision regarding vote recount if there is an order from the court,” he said, adding that there is no legal bar to any aggrieved party seeking judicial remedy.
The 11-party alliance alleged vote manipulation in 32 constituencies, claiming their candidates were defeated through irregularities. The alliance also applied for a recount in the disputed seats.
However, the EC said recounting is not possible at this stage as the official gazette has already been published.
Responding to allegations that the commission hurriedly published the gazette notification, Anwarul rejected the claim.
“The commission did not act in haste. All procedures were followed within the legal framework, and the gazette was published at the appropriate time,” he said.
He described the alliance’s demand for reconsideration of the declared results as “irrelevant,” but reiterated that complainants are free to seek legal recourse.
Anwarul also claimed that the commission successfully conducted a free, fair and neutral election.
“We have been able to deliver a credible election. The outcome has met — even exceeded — expectations,” he added.
Regarding Sherpur-3 constituency, the election commissioner said no final decision has yet been taken.
The Jamaat-led alliance’s complaint comes days after the conclusion of the 13th parliamentary election, as political tensions continue over the results in several constituencies.