Jamaat-led alliance demands recount in 32 seats, announces protest in Dhaka tomorrow
Regarding the legal process, Azad clarified, “The demand for re-evaluation exists... Even after the gazette is published, there are three legal steps"
The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance formally has moved the Election Commission (EC) seeking a recount in 30 parliamentary constituencies, alleging widespread vote rigging, result manipulation, and "overwriting" on final tally sheets during the 13th national election.
A delegation, led by Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad, met with Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud at the EC headquarters in Agargaon this afternoon (15 February).
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Following the meeting, the alliance held a press briefing at the EC building, expressing dissatisfaction with the electoral process and announcing a major protest programme.
Addressing the media, the alliance announced a protest rally at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque's north gate, scheduled to begin at 4:30pm tomorrow (16 February).
According to the announcement, the protest aims to mount public pressure on the commission to ensure transparency in the final results.
Key seats under dispute
The alliance has reported 32 high-profile constituencies for recounts, including several key seats in the capital and across the country.
If violence is not stopped, we will take to the streets. In Parliament, we will play the role of a constructive opposition. We will speak in the national interest
The list includes Dhaka-7, 8, 10, 13, and 17; as well as Khulna-3 and 5, Cox's Bazar-4, Mymensingh-1 and 4, and Thakurgaon-2, among others.
Responding to the delegation, the Election Commission assured the leaders that the commission would look into the specific evidence of errors cited by the alliance.
The EC has also informed the alliance that while gazette publication is final, legal avenues remain open.
Additionally, Azad said, "During the voting period, we observed multiple unhealthy aspects at various centres. While the polling started well, the conclusion was not satisfactory."
He outlined the stages of the 12 February election, noting both improvements and concerns.
"We have discussed the entire electoral process, including the flaws. In particular, we have identified 32 seats where we were allegedly defeated by a small margin of votes. We have demanded a recount in those seats," he said.
Regarding the legal process, he clarified, "The demand for re-evaluation exists... Even after the gazette is published, there are three legal steps -- EC, then tribunal, and then the High Court. We will follow the due process."
Raising allegations of vote engineering, the Jamaat leader stated, "While the EC has made efforts, and we want to believe that the declaration of results must also be as transparent as the polling. If engineering occurred, the commission bears responsibility."
"An election has three stages: polling, counting, and result announcement. In polling, we observed qualitative improvements compared to the past. Major killings or violence were not apparent.
"However, there were widespread fraudulent votes, distribution of black money, threats, terrorism, brawls and attacks. Though not large-scale, these incidents raise questions over the election's fairness."
He also questioned the gazette publication, saying, "The election was on the 12th [of February], but the gazette was published at 11pm on the 13th [of February]. Those in remote areas had no opportunity to submit complaints. We have asked the commission to investigate the complaints."
Protests will continue
Azad said, "Incidents of violence before and after the election are worrying. Examples similar to the Hatiya incident have surfaced. There are concerns about repeating 2018 events."
He claimed that three women were injured in his constituency, Azad added, "We have submitted reports from 54 districts."
The alliance announced that protests will continue if violence persists.
"If violence is not stopped, we will take to the streets. In Parliament, we will play the role of a constructive opposition. We will speak in the national interest," Azad said, announcing the protest rally.
Regarding the oath, he confirmed, "We have decided positively -- we will take the oath, join the parliament, and play a constructive role in opposition. At the same time, the streets remain open for us."
On the topic of reforms, he added, "Implementation of the July Charter is essential. Issues of proportional representation have arisen. After the people's mandate, the 'note of dissent' has no further effect."
