The leaders of the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat have accused irregularities in the vote tallying process during the 13th national election and have requested a recount in 32 constituencies.
They mentioned that while the elections were relatively calm, they criticized the final phase of the election procedure.
Addressing reporters at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad stated, “The beginning was promising, but the conclusion was disappointing.”
He expressed concerns about widespread fake voting, the influence of illicit funds, and instances of intimidation and clashes in various regions, which have raised doubts about the fairness of the election.
Prior to this, representatives of the 11-party alliance had a meeting with four election commissioners at the EC premises.
Following the meeting, Azad highlighted the absence of a conducive environment for fair vote counting in many polling centers.
He alleged discrepancies such as alterations and missing agent signatures on result sheets, pointing out that they have identified 32 constituencies where they suspect narrow defeats occurred due to counting inaccuracies.
“We have officially requested the commission for a recount in these constituencies,” he emphasized.
Azad mentioned that despite the publication of the gazette, the law permits three levels of appeal – through the commission, a tribunal, and the High Court – and the alliance intends to pursue legal actions.
The alliance also declared a protest rally and demonstration scheduled at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque in Dhaka the following day at 4:30 pm, denouncing what they labeled as “electoral violence.”
Regarding whether the alliance would take the oath, Azad affirmed, “We have made a positive decision. We will participate in parliament and contribute constructively. Simultaneously, we will continue to have access to the streets.”
In a statement on his verified Facebook page, Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, spokesperson of the National Citizen Party (NCP), an alliance member, mentioned preparations to establish a “shadow cabinet.”
He explained that the shadow cabinet would function as a monitoring body to ensure transparency, accountability, and oversee overall operations.
In another Facebook post, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman declared their unwavering stance against any corrupt influences.
He urged party members to organize strong protests and resistance alongside the public in case of attacks, and to stand in solidarity with the oppressed.
Subsequently, Shafiqur visited the family of the deceased Jamaat supporter Shah Alam, who passed away from a heart attack on February 8 while en route to an election rally, in the Shimulbak Dakkhinhati area of Itna upazila in Kishoreganj and participated in a commemorative event.
