EC postpones gazette of Lakshmipur-3, Brahmanbria-2 by-poll results

The Election Commission has postponed publishing the gazette notification of the results of the Brahmanbaria-2 and Lakshmipur-3 by-elections and launched an inquiry into the allegations of irregularities in polling.

"At present, the commission is diligently scrutinising allegations of irregularities, rigging, and reported stamping of the boat symbol," EC Secretary Md Jahangir Alam told the media on Tuesday.

While the returning officers have already declared the results, a video went viral on social media, depicting an individual publicly stamping the boat symbol at a Lakshmipur polling centre. The video has raised concerns about potential electoral irregularities.

In response to these concerns, the Election Commission has directed the deputy commissioners (DCs), superintendents of police (SPs), and election officers in the respective districts to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and verify the facts. They have also been asked to thoroughly examine the statements of all polling officers, law enforcement personnel, and other individuals present during the events.

A detailed report on these investigations is expected to be submitted within the next three working days.

Replying to a query, the EC secretary said, "Based on the inquiry report, a decision will be taken regarding the results of the polls in the two constituencies."

By-elections to the two constituencies were held on 5 November, amid a boycott by the opposition parties citing various irregularities, including vote rigging.

Man stamping 'boat' affiliated with Shibir, MP-elect claims

Golam Farooq Pinku, who won the Lakshmipur-3 by-polls representing the Awami League, claimed that Azad Hossain, who was seen stamping the "boat" symbol on ballot papers, is not associated with the Awami League.

Farooq claimed that Azad is a worker of Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami.

"Azad previously held the position of vice president of Lakshmipur's Chandraganj Thana Chhatra League. But, two years ago, the District BCL expelled him for breaching party discipline and his involvement with Shibir," he said.

Farooq came to the Election Commission on Tuesday to meet Election Commissioner Anisur Rahman. There TBS talked with him.

He said, "It is crucial to underline that Azad is not affiliated with Chhatra League. His father also has ties with the BNP."

The MP-elect alleged that Azad engaged in these activities in exchange for money, with the aim of creating controversy within our party.

"Azad's actions may be aimed at undermining the credibility of national elections. I believe a thorough investigation will uncover the truth behind these allegations," he added.

In the by-election, Awami League candidate Golam Farooq Pinku emerged victorious by a huge margin, bagging 1,20,599 votes, while his nearest rival, Jatiya Party-nominated Md Rakib Hossain got 3,846 votes.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday the chief election commissioner (CEC) had a meeting with the chiefs of three key intelligence agencies: the National Security Intelligence, the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, and the Special Branch of police at the Nirbachan Bhaban.

Asked about their discussions, the EC secretary said he was "not privy to the specific details" of the conversation between the CEC and the intelligence heads.