11-party alliance seeks suspension of voting in three constituencies over irregularities

The 11-party electoral alliance today (12 February) has demanded the suspension of voting and re-election at several polling centres in the parliamentary constituencies of Cumilla-8, Shariatpur-2 and Patuakhali-1, alleging irregularities and voter intimidation.

The information was disclosed to reporters on Thursday afternoon following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Advocate Moazzem Hossain Helal spoke on behalf of the alliance.

He said, "Voting has been disrupted through irregularities at multiple centres in Cumilla-8, Shariatpur-2 and Patuakhali-1. To ensure a free and fair election, we have demanded that voting at these centres be suspended and fresh polls be held."

Helal claimed that irregularities were still taking place at various centres and that prompt action could ensure an acceptable and transparent outcome. He also said that more than a hundred video footages and related links had been submitted to the Election Commission as evidence of the alleged irregularities.

He further alleged that their polling agents were expelled from a centre in Cumilla. Additionally, he accused BNP activists of forcibly stamping ballot papers in Narsingdi-4 constituency.

Leaders of the alliance also said that allegations of irregularities at several centres in Noakhali and Jhalakathi had been brought to the attention of the Election Commission.

Earlier, at around 3:15pm, a 10-member delegation of the alliance met with the CEC at the Election Commission office.