Vote-buying allegations reflect Jamaat's political bankruptcy: BNP

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's involvement in vote-buying ahead of the national election reflects the party's "political bankruptcy" and constitutes a serious violation of the electoral code of conduct, alleged BNP Election Management Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin today (10 February).

Speaking at a press conference at the committee's office in Dhaka's Gulshan, Mahdi accused Jamaat of using money to influence voters, including children, despite publicly opposing corruption.

"A party that campaigns against corruption is now openly attempting to buy votes with money. This is a gross violation of electoral rules and a clear sign of moral and political failure," he said.

Mahdi, also the adviser to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, claimed the practice was occurring even in constituencies seen as strongholds of the party's top leadership, alleging that in Dhaka-15, a Jamaat-affiliated lawyer was publicly distributing money while seeking votes, with videos of the incident going viral and drawing criticism.

Mahdi at the time cited Rule 4 of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections 2025, which bars political parties, candidates, or their representatives from directly or indirectly offering or promising donations, grants, or gifts in an electoral area before an election.

He also cited Rule 27, saying violations are punishable under Article 91B(3) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, with offenders facing up to six months' imprisonment or a Tk1,50,000 fine, or both, and registered political parties subject to fines of up to Tk1,00,000.

He urged the Election Commission and returning officers to take legal measures against those involved.

Mahdi alleged similar incidents in Khulna-1, including money distribution, collection of voter ID and mobile financial service details, and accused Jamaat activists of violence in Cumilla-11 and Bogura-4 constituencies, where attacks, vandalism, and injuries were reported, urging swift action by authorities.

Referring to the campaign period from 22 January to 7:30am today, he said media reports, surveys, rally turnouts, and ground assessments showed strong nationwide support for the BNP.

"If the election is held in a free, fair and credible manner, BNP's victory will be inevitable," he said, adding that attempts at propaganda, misuse of religion, financial inducements, and violence reflected the opposition's fear of public verdict.

He added that despite "conspiracies, disinformation, money politics and violence", democracy-minded people would resist and assert their rights through the ballot.