Protests erupt in Rangpur demanding vote recount

Supporters of BNP candidates staged protests and road blockades in Pirgachha and Launia upazilas of Rangpur district today (14 February), demanding a recount of votes in Rangpur-4 and Rangpur-6 constituencies over allegations result manipulation.

From the morning, a shutdown was observed in Haragachh area under Rahngpur-4 with traders and locals joining the protest, claiming that vote rigging deprived BNP candidate Emdadul Haque Bhorsa of victory.

Demonstrators blocked Haragachh–Rangpur road, burning tyres and halting vehicular movement from yesterday afternoon until around midnight at Haqbazar in Kaunia upazila.

BNP leaders and activists gathered there and warned of tougher programmes if votes are not recounted.

In Pirgachha upazila town, BNP supporters also brought out processions and held rallies urging the Election Commission and the district returning officer to quickly recount the votes.

BNP candidate Bhorsa alleged that about 8,500 votes were rejected under suspicious circumstances and claimed that supporters of rival candidate Akhtar Hossen created mobs between 3pm and 5pm on polling day with alleged administrative backing to change the results.

He issued an ultimatum for a recount, warning of stricter agitation otherwise.

Rejecting the allegations, winning candidate Akhtar Hossen of NCP claimed BNP activists attacked NCP supporters, vandalised houses, looted property and damaged motorcycles. BNP denied the accusations.

According to unofficial results, Akhtar Hossain won Rangpur-4 with 149,966 votes while Bhorsa secured 140,564 votes.

In Rangpur-6 (Pirgachha), Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Maulana Nurul Amin won with 120,128 votes, while Saiful Islam got 117,703 votes.