Leaders of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance have alleged irregularities and manipulation in vote counting, claiming attempts to alter results in the parliamentary polls.
At a press conference on Friday night, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, said: “Elections naturally involve winning and losing. If that happens in a normal way, people generally accept it. But if there is major discrimination or irregularity, questions naturally arise.”
He alleged that across Bangladesh, activists, supporters, agents, and voters of the 11-party electoral alliance were attacked in various areas.
“You have seen that today, in different places, attacks are being carried out on activists, supporters, agents, and voters of the 11-party alliance. Individuals are being attacked and houses set on fire. This is fascist activity,” Dr Shafiqur Rahman claimed.
“The full responsibility must be borne by those involved in such acts. Those who have secured a majority of seats in the election—however they may have done so—face sufficient observation and objections from us. The responsibility mainly lies with them.”
Hinting at the victorious Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), he said, “If they form the government, maintaining law and order will be their responsibility. But what do these signs indicate now? These must be stopped. If not, we will be forced to take any decision necessary.”
He also alleged that in some areas, “fascists are being rehabilitated,” a trend observed during the election campaign period as well.
“Remember, anyone who acts against the aspirations of 2024 will not be forgiven—neither by the nation nor by its youth,” he warned.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman said: “The majority of people have given a verdict in favour of a referendum. That must be implemented, and we do not want to see any change. ‘Yes’ has won in the referendum. Those who form the government have the responsibility to implement it. Anyone attempting to avoid this will not find us silent.”
He also alleged that in several areas, result announcements were suddenly halted during the declaration of election outcomes.
“We have documents showing that result sheets were tampered with in multiple constituencies. In some places, dual standards were applied,” he claimed.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman further alleged irregularities in the conduct of Nasir Uddin Patwari, claiming polling centres were captured under the direction of a relative of a political leader.
He warned, “Those whose rights have been forcefully taken away will seek remedy through our decisions. If we obtain redress within a specific time, that is one thing. If not, we will be forced to pursue our own path. We hope the Election Commission of Bangladesh acts with good sense and ensures justice. Otherwise, the responsibility will lie with them.”
He added that the party would seek constitutional remedies in constituencies where serious irregularities occurred.
“We want to practise positive politics. If they deprive us of that, the responsibility will lie with them,” Dr Shafiqur Rahman said.
The Jamaat Ameer concluded: “We strongly condemn all incidents that have taken place from yesterday until today. We seek remedy. We do not believe in politics of revenge, but seeking and obtaining justice is our right.”
