Jamaat, alliance members meet EC over alleged election irregularities
The alliance demanded suspension of voting at the disputed centres
A delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the 11-party alliance met the Election Commission this evening (12 February), alleging irregularities in several constituencies, forcible removal of polling agents, and attacks on candidates and their motorcades during the 13th national election.
They submitted more than 100 video clips and supporting documents to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and demanded suspension of voting at the disputed centres.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting at the Election Building in Agargaon, Jamaat central team member Advocate Moazzem Hossain Helal said agents were forced out of at least 30 centres in the Cumilla-8 (Barura) constituency at the beginning of voting.
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"Our candidate, Principal Helal Uddin Shafiqul Alam, submitted a written complaint seeking suspension of voting, but the returning officer did not take effective action. We have submitted a copy of that complaint to the CEC," he said.
The delegation also alleged that agents were driven out of most centres in Tangail-2 (Gopalpur–Bhuapur).
Helal further alleged that forced ballot stamping took place at Belabo Pilot Modern Model High School centre in Narsingdi-4 (Belabo-Monohardi) with the assistance of the presiding officer.
"In Noakhali-6 (Hatia), our candidate was injured. Similar incidents of conflict happened, and centres were occupied in Jhalakathi, Pathorghata, and Mirzaganj in Patuakhali," he added.
Allegations of obstruction and harassment of agents were also raised in various constituencies of Shariatpur.
Jamaat leaders also condemned an alleged attack on the motorcade of AB Party Member Secretary Mojibur Rahman Monju, claiming it was intended to disrupt the electoral environment. They said video footage and news links had been provided to the commission.
Responding to a question, Helal said the CEC and other commissioners listened to their concerns and informed them that an urgent meeting would be held to review the submitted materials and take necessary action.
"We want a clean result that leaves no questions in the minds of the nation," he said.
