The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said on Thursday that its victory is certain and asked its leaders and activists to stay alert until the final election results are announced.
Speaking at a press conference, BNP's Election Steering Committee spokesperson Dr Mahdi Amin also thanked the government, administration and Election Commission for performing their duty properly in holding the national election and referendum.
"BNP's victory is inevitable and absolute, and no attempt to undermine it will succeed. We firmly believe that the surge of the sheaf of paddy symbolises the victory of BNP and of democracy. The victory of Bangladesh is imminent, Insha'Allah," Mahdi told the press conference at the party's Gulshan election office following the vote closing.
Mahdi Amin said the people of the country exercised their voting rights with deep emotion and aspiration, expressing hope that, in a democratic Bangladesh, the government elected by people's mandate would sincerely uphold those expectations.
"I earnestly call upon the pro-democracy people to remain vigilant to ensure the voting results," Mahdi said.
Those from BNP and its associate and affiliated organisations who are involved in election steering activities must ensure that there are no irregularities in the proper counting of votes and the announcement of results," he told the press conference at BNP's Gulshan election office," he said.
He thanked the Election Commission, the armed forces, the interim government and law enforcement agencies, along with all others involved in conducting the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum.
Expressing sympathy for those injured and condolences for those killed in election-related violence, Mahdi conveyed BNP's solidarity with the affected families.
The BNP leader alleged that violence, irregularities and the use of black money had taken place in different areas since the previous night in an attempt to make the election controversial.
He, however, said security personnel played an important role and the public also demonstrated unity in resistance.
Mahdi also alleged that violations of the electoral code of conduct were aimed at offsetting what he described as a visible and large gap between BNP and its rival political party, claiming that voters were threatened and discouraged from going to polling centres. "Without such incidents, voter turnout could have been higher."
He said pre-stamped ballot papers and fake votes were found in many places and that some people could not cast their own votes, which he described as a return to undemocratic practices of the past.
Mahdi claimed that attempts were made to create mobs through so-called local fake observers, which hindered voter presence, adding that the Election Commission had been informed earlier. "Although the commission took some steps in certain cases, more sincere and comprehensive measures could have prevented the situation."
The BNP spokesperson also accused a particular political party of using social media in a way that created fear among voters regarding casting their ballots.
