The 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has formally approached the Election Commission (EC), demanding a recount in 32 parliamentary constituencies over allegations of large-scale vote rigging, result manipulation, and “overwriting” on final tally sheets during the 13th national election.
A delegation headed by Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad met Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud at the EC headquarters in Agargaon on Sunday.
After the meeting, the alliance held a press briefing at the EC building, voicing dissatisfaction with the overall electoral process and announcing a fresh protest programme.
Azad said the alliance will stage a protest rally at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 4:30 pm on Monday to press the commission for greater transparency in the final results.
Disputed constituencies
The alliance identified 32 constituencies where it claims the results were decided by narrow margins and warrant recounts.
The disputed seats include Dhaka-7, 8, 10, 13 and 17; Khulna-3 and 5; Cox’s Bazar-4; Mymensingh-1 and 4; and Thakurgaon-2, among others.
Speaking to reporters, Azad alleged irregularities at various stages of the election.
“Polling began relatively well, but the ending was not satisfactory,” he said, adding that while visible large-scale violence was absent, there were reports of fraudulent voting, distribution of black money, intimidation and sporadic clashes.
He said the alliance had submitted complaints from 54 districts and raised concerns over what he described as an unusually quick publication of the gazette.
“The election was held on February 12, and the gazette was published at 11pm on February 13. Candidates in remote areas had little opportunity to file complaints,” he said.
The EC assured the delegation that it would examine specific evidence of alleged errors. The commission also informed the alliance that although gazette publication is considered final, legal options remain available, including appeals to the EC, an election tribunal and subsequently the High Court.
Azad said the alliance would pursue all available legal avenues.
“Even after the gazette, there are three legal steps — EC, tribunal and the High Court. We will follow due process,” he said.
He further alleged possible “engineering” in the result declaration stage, arguing that transparency must extend beyond polling to counting and announcement of results.
Protest and parliamentary role
Warning of tougher action if post-election violence continues, Azad said: “If violence is not stopped, we will take to the streets.”
At the same time, he confirmed that the alliance has decided to join parliament and play what he termed a “constructive opposition” role.
“We will take oath, join parliament and speak in the national interest. But the streets remain open for us,” he said.
Azad also stressed the need for implementing reform proposals, including the July Charter, and said issues such as proportional representation had gained renewed attention following the election.