Shafiqur claims targeted rigging, warns of mass mobilisation

Leaders of the 11-party alliance led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami have alleged that vote counting in the recent elections was deliberately manipulated in specific constituencies. 

They warned that if the Election Commission fails to address these irregularities, the alliance will determine its next course of action, including mass mobilisation.

Speaking at a press conference tonight (13 February) at Jamaat's central office in Dhaka's Moghbazar, top leaders said the vote-counting process was conducted "contrary to the actual voting process." 

Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman warned that if remedies are not implemented within a set timeframe, the party would be prepared to take the fight to the streets. He also cited multiple attacks on Jamaat workers, asserting that "positive politics can't be forced."

Pointing to the BNP, Shafiqur said, "Those who have secured a majority – whatever the method – must bear responsibility. The country's peace and order must be preserved. If they form a government, the accountability is theirs. But the current situation cannot continue. If it isn't stopped immediately, we will be compelled to take any necessary steps." 

"If fascism returns, we will fight again. There will be no compromise. Democracy cannot thrive under fascism," he added.

Jamaat's leader also emphasised the need to end the country's old, exploitative political practices and begin a new phase of politics, pledging to continue the struggle until promises made before the election are fulfilled. "We will fight for women's safety and political accountability. Anyone who mistakes our civility for weakness will face consequences," he said.

Demand for electoral remedies

Shafiqur clarified that Jamaat does not advocate revenge politics but insists on the right to demand remedies. The Election Commission has been urged to suspend results for constituencies where RPOs did not comply and to address reports of concealed loan defaulters and irregularities. 

He warned that in some areas, fascists have been allowed to operate freely, and any attempt to disrespect the aspirations of the July Charter will not be forgiven by the youth. 

On the referendum, Jamaat stressed that the "Yes" majority must be implemented swiftly in parliament, and that the alliance is willing to cooperate, but non-compliance will prolong the struggle.

NCP, other leaders raise similar alarms

Jamaat's 11-party ally National Citizen Party (NCP) convenor Nahid Islam stated that clear manipulation occurred, targeting specific constituencies such as Dhaka-13, Dhaka-8, and Mia Golam Porwar's seat in Khulna. 

He added that attacks on ordinary citizens immediately after the election make the country unsafe, justifying potential street protests.

Another significant ally, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Ameer Mamunul Haque, echoed these warnings, stating that the responsibility for stability lies with the winners, but if they push the country toward instability, they alone will be accountable. 

"Attempts to undermine the spirit of July reforms will meet uncompromising resistance," he said. He added that visible timeframes have been set to prevent chaos, but deliberate vote counting against actual ballots represents a clear disrespect to the electorate, and citizens will reclaim their voting rights.