Dhaka-16: BNP's Aminul seeks suspension of election result, re-election in disputed centres
Aminul lost the seat by a margin of 3,361 votes to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami nominee Abdul Baten.
BNP-nominated candidate Md Aminul Haque has demanded suspension of the election result in Dhaka-16 constituency and called for re-election in disputed polling centres, alleging widespread "irregularities and vote rigging" in the 13th parliamentary polls.
Submitting a written application to the returning officer at the Election Commission Secretariat today (13 February), Aminul alleged "serious irregularities, corruption and electoral fraud" in the voting held on 12 February.
According to the announced results, Aminul lost the seat by a margin of 3,361 votes to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami nominee Abdul Baten. Aminul secured 88,828 votes, while Baten received 85,467.
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In his complaint, Aminul claimed that the election witnessed "gross violations" of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972, and the electoral code of conduct. He alleged that there is video evidence of money being distributed by supporters of the rival candidate on the eve of the election.
He further alleged that polling agents were intimidated and forced out of more than 40 centres, and that result sheets were prepared without the signatures of agents. In some cases, he claimed, signatures were taken on result sheets before vote counting had begun.
The BNP candidate also alleged obstruction of voters from entering polling stations and claimed that in certain centres, ballot books were found pre-sealed before voting commenced.
Additionally, Aminul pointed to discrepancies between the total votes announced for centres numbered 1 to 29 and the figures supplied by presiding officers, as well as inconsistencies in postal ballot counts.
Citing Article 119 of the Constitution, which mandates the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections, Aminul alleged that the commission had failed to uphold its constitutional responsibility in this instance.
He said that after receiving no remedy from the assistant returning officer, he has now sought action under Section 91A of the RPO, requesting the suspension of the result and the formation of a high-level investigation committee to ensure justice.
