Nahid alleges targeted result manipulation, warns of street movement

The 13th national election was marked by clear "rigging", and results were "altered" in specific constituencies, Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen's Party (NCP), has alleged.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Jamaat's central office in the capital tonight (13 February), "Our position is very clear – this election saw explicit rigging. Specific constituencies were targeted and results were changed."

He named Dhaka-13, Dhaka-8 and the constituency of Miah Golam Parwar as among the affected seats.

"Around 10% of votes were manipulated to defeat various candidates," he alleged.

Warning of possible agitation, Nahid said those who attacked ordinary people the day after the election could not ensure the country's safety. "If necessary, we will take to the streets," he said.

He further claimed that the same people who voted in favour of reform in the referendum also cast ballots for the 11-party alliance, accusing a section of political actors of attempting to restore "old politics".

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque also spoke at the press conference, placing responsibility for stability on the election winners.

"Normally, it is the duty of the victors to ensure stability. But if they push the country towards instability, they will have to take responsibility," he said.

"If anyone tries to destroy the spirit of July, we will remain uncompromising," he added.

Nahid further alleged that while authorities kept the situation visibly calm during voting to avoid unrest, the counting process told a different story.

"Voting happened one way, but counting happened the opposite way. This disrespected the people's mandate," he said, adding that citizens would ultimately reclaim their ballot rights.