BNP's victory is inevitable and absolute: Mahdi Amin

BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin has said the party's victory in the 13th national election is "inevitable and absolute," expressing strong confidence in the outcome as voting concluded this afternoon (12 February).

"BNP's victory is inevitable and absolute, and no attempt to undermine it will succeed. We firmly believe that the surge of the sheaf of paddy symbolises the victory of BNP and of democracy. The victory of Bangladesh is imminent, Insha'Allah," Mahdi said at a press conference at the party's Gulshan election office.

He also thanked the Election Commission, the armed forces, the interim government and law enforcement agencies for conducting the polls, while urging party leaders and activists to remain vigilant until the final results are announced. 

Mahdi Amin said the people of the country exercised their voting rights with deep emotion and aspiration, expressing hope that, in a democratic Bangladesh, the government elected by people's mandate would sincerely uphold those expectations.

"I earnestly call upon the pro-democracy people to remain vigilant to ensure the voting results," Mahdi said.

"Those from BNP and its associate and affiliated organisations who are involved in election steering activities must ensure that there are no irregularities in the proper counting of votes and the announcement of results," he told the press conference at BNP's Gulshan election office," he said.

He thanked the Election Commission, the armed forces, the interim government and law enforcement agencies, along with all others involved in conducting the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum.

Expressing sympathy for those injured and condolences for those killed in election-related violence, Mahdi conveyed BNP's solidarity with the affected families.

The BNP leader alleged that violence, irregularities and the use of black money had taken place in different areas since the previous night in an attempt to make the election controversial.

He, however, said security personnel played an important role and the public also demonstrated unity in resistance.

Mahdi also alleged that violations of the electoral code of conduct were aimed at offsetting what he described as a visible and large gap between BNP and its rival political party, claiming that voters were threatened and discouraged from going to polling centres.

"Without such incidents, voter turnout could have been higher," he said.