BNP alleges 'unusual' voter migration in Dhaka, demands EC data
BNP urged the commission to stick strictly to the law-enforcement agencies defined by the law
BNP alleged that an unusually large number of voters had been migrated to certain constituencies in Dhaka city and other parts of the country, and demanded constituency-wise data on voter migration from the Election Commission.
The allegation came as a BNP delegation, led by Election Steering Committee Chairman Nazrul Islam Khan, met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka this afternoon (1 February).
"A large number of voters migrated to some specific constituencies, which is unusual," he said while briefing reporters after the meeting.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
In response, the EC told them the number of migrated voters to each constituency is not more than 2000-3000, he added.
The BNP leader said they are not happy with the EC's reply as the number is not true and the EC was not provided with exact data from the department concerned.
BNP also expressed concern over the potential involvement of student cadets in election duties and demanded immediate corrective measures from the Election Commission to ensure a fair environment for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.
During the briefing, Nazrul Islam Khan alleged that an unusually large number of voters had been migrated to specific constituencies in Dhaka city and other parts of the country over the last year and a half.
He pointed out discrepancies where 20 to 30 voters were found registered under holding numbers where only four or five people actually reside.
In some instances, voters were reportedly registered at locations with no holding numbers at all.
While the EC responded by stating that the number of migrated voters in any single constituency does not exceed 2,000 to 3,000, BNP leader expressed dissatisfaction with the reply.
He argued that the commission had not been provided with accurate data from the relevant departments and demanded constituency-wise data on voter migration for further scrutiny.
The BNP delegation also voiced strong opposition to the reported decision to involve 16,000 members of the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) in election-related tasks.
Nazrul Islam Khan argued that as students, these young cadets should not be embroiled in a complex political process like a national election, as it could lead to the cadets and the institution itself becoming controversial.
BNP urged the commission to stick strictly to the law-enforcement agencies defined by the law.
According to the BNP leader, the commission acknowledged the logic of their argument and assured them that a final decision would be reached after further discussion.
The party also raised alarms regarding reports that some political parties are planning to form "Shanti (Peace) Committees" in various constituencies.
Nazrul noted that the term carries a negative historical weight and insisted that the EC should not allow such committees.
In response, the commission stated that they were unaware of such plans and had not authorised any such bodies.
Additionally, the BNP requested the EC to ensure that all outsiders – individuals who are not residents or voters of a particular constituency – leave the area at least 48 hours before the polls.
While the law does not explicitly bar political activists from working outside their areas during the campaign, the BNP argued that their presence on election day could lead to chaos and irregularities.
The delegation also questioned the credibility and capacity of the 55,000 local observers from 81 organisations recently approved by the EC, noting that many of these organisations are largely unknown.
They urged the EC to ensure that only those with proven observation capabilities are allowed to monitor the polls to avoid obstructing the electoral process.
Nazrul Islam Khan condemned the misuse of religious beliefs in electioneering. He cited instances where campaigners for a specific symbol claimed that a "fourth question" would be asked in the grave regarding whether the deceased had voted for that symbol.
He termed such campaigns a mockery of religious faith and a clear violation of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), calling for immediate intervention by the Election Commission.
