Tensions at EC secretariat as parties launch complaints ahead of polls

Just 12 hours before polls open, the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat in Agargaon became tense and crowded yesterday (11 February) night as leaders of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and other parties held separate meetings with the commission, lodging a series of complaints over the electoral environment, law and order, and administration conduct.

Both BNP and Jamaat accused each other of creating irregularities, while the EC reiterated that strict action would follow if concrete evidence of vote buying or other violations emerged.

A BNP delegation, led by standing committee member and election steering committee chief Nazrul Islam Khan, met the chief election commissioner late yesterday. Speaking afterward, he warned that any attempt to disrupt the election would be met with resistance from the public. "Whoever tries to obstruct the election or create chaos will be resisted by the people themselves. Even if we attempt such acts, the people will resist us too," he said.

Nazrul alleged that a video showing money distribution had surfaced in Feni-1 and claimed that Jamaat leaders were being detained across the country, including in Mymensingh, Ramu, Kahalu in Bogura, Lakshmipur, and Saidpur, on allegations of illegal activities. He said BNP had submitted videos and news reports to the EC and demanded swift, firm action to prevent repeat incidents.

He also criticised remarks reportedly made by the EC Secretariat's senior secretary regarding the detention of a Jamaat leader with cash in Saidpur. "Whether it is 50 lakh or even 5 crore taka, suggesting someone could carry such amounts is inappropriate. This is not a normal time. Mobile financial services have capped transactions at Tk 1,000 to prevent influencing voters," he said. The secretary later claimed he had been misquoted. Nazrul also called on journalists to uncover the truth.

Nazrul questioned an explanatory card issued by the executive director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport about transporting cash with customs clearance, calling the matter "mysterious." Responding to concerns about opposition tactics, he said, "Our opponents are not weak. Those who resist change or foresee defeat may try to sabotage the polls. The EC must take a firm stance."

Jamaat pledges public resistance

Jamaat-e-Islami warned that any violence on polling day would be met with public resistance and said its activists would not retreat from the field. 

After meeting the CEC, Jamaat's Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, also its media wing chief, said the party would mobilise citizens against what he termed terrorism or attempts to disrupt the vote.

"If there is any attack or violence on election day, we will resist it with the people. We brought down fascism on 5 August 2024. This courageous nation will not bow to any force again," Zubayer said. Leaders of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance attended the meeting with National Citizen Party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan.

Zubayer said the party would remain active in the field, building mass resistance with the public to ensure a free and fair election. He questioned the EC's neutrality, alleging bias in the allocation of body cameras – fewer in BNP strongholds and unusually high numbers in constituencies where Jamaat is competitive.

He dismissed the recent cash recovery from a Jamaat leader as a "staged drama," claiming airport officials in Dhaka had already checked the bag for business purposes due to bank closures, which did not violate any law. Upon arrival in Saidpur, he alleged, police called select journalists to orchestrate the incident. Zubayer further claimed the officer involved had links to Monirul Islam, a controversial official from the previous government. The detained leader has since fallen ill and been hospitalised, and Jamaat has requested clarification from the CEC.

Zubayer also condemned threats made by a BNP candidate in Cumilla-4, who allegedly said that anyone not voting for the "Truck" symbol would have their "hands and feet broken," calling such arrogance unacceptable. He also highlighted continued attacks on Jamaat leaders and activists and vandalism of polling booths across the country. He accused a "special circle" of spreading hateful propaganda to undermine Jamaat's public support.

"The nation does not want promises; it wants effective action from the commission," he said, reiterating that repeated complaints have drawn only assurances.

EC prepares amid heightened tensions

In a press release around 9pm on 11 February, the Election Commission confirmed that a political party had lodged allegations of vote buying in various parts of the country. "Vote buying is a punishable offence under the law. If anyone is found to be involved, strict action will be taken," the statement said.

Despite heightened political tensions and counter-allegations between BNP and Jamaat, the EC stated that preparations were complete and law enforcement agencies were deployed nationwide.

With polling imminent, attention now turns to the environment on election day, the resolution of complaints, and the effectiveness of the commission in enforcing its promised "strict action" against irregularities, including vote buying, booth vandalism, and intimidation. How the EC responds to the detailed allegations, including threats, orchestrated incidents, and potential partisan bias, could shape public confidence and the integrity of the vote.