11-Party Bloc Seeks Re-Poll in Three Seats

Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Advocate: Moazzem Hossain Helal talks to the media at the Election Commission today

An 11-party electoral alliance on Thursday demanded suspension of voting and fresh polls at several centres in Cumilla-8, Shariatpur-2 and Patuakhali-1, alleging irregularities and voter intimidation.

The demand was made after a delegation of the alliance met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin in the afternoon. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Advocate Moazzem Hossain Helal spoke to reporters on behalf of the bloc.

He alleged that voting at multiple centres in the three constituencies had been disrupted by irregularities. “To ensure a free and fair election, we have called for suspension of voting at those centres and a re-election,” he said.

Helal claimed that irregularities were continuing at several locations and that swift intervention could help ensure a transparent and credible outcome. He said the alliance had submitted more than 100 video clips and related links to the Election Commission as evidence.

The alliance also alleged that its polling agents were expelled from a centre in Cumilla. In addition, it accused BNP activists of forcibly stamping ballot papers in Narsingdi-4.

Leaders further said complaints of irregularities at several centres in Noakhali and Jhalakathi had been conveyed to the Commission.

A 10-member delegation of the alliance met the Chief Election Commissioner at the Election Commission office around 3:15pm to press their demands.