Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday called on party activists to remain at polling centres until the final results are officially declared.
His appeal came amid scattered allegations, isolated clashes and reports of irregularities during the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Vote counting has already begun in many areas.
In a post on his verified Facebook account, the Jamaat chief wrote: "No one should leave the polling centres until the full results are declared."
In a subsequent message, he struck a restrained tone regarding a possible victory. "If the Almighty, in His infinite mercy, grants victory to the oppressed, there will be no rallies, no slogans, no celebrations. We will prostrate in gratitude to Allah, offer thanks, and seek His help to serve the nation," he said.
Earlier, addressing the public in another post, Dr. Rahman praised voters for defying "rumours and conspiracies" since the previous day. "You have resisted attempts to capture polling centres. From this morning, you voted in a festive atmosphere, inspired by the dream of justice," he wrote.
However, he expressed deep concern over alleged ballot stuffing in different parts of the country. He claimed polling agents were attacked, women harassed and attempts made to seize control of centres in several locations.
Urging continued vigilance, he said: "Protect your votes until the results are announced, just as you have resisted vote theft and centre capture. Become guardians of your polling stations. Cooperate with law enforcement so that no one can snatch away your valuable vote."
The Jamaat Ameer also appealed to the administration and law enforcement agencies to act more decisively.
"You have made sincere efforts to ensure a fair environment. But the people expect swifter action. We are witnessing conspiracies to capture centres and snatch ballots. Suppress these firmly. Protect the trust placed in the people's votes. Stand by the citizens," he said.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday said the national election was held largely in a peaceful atmosphere, with only a few isolated incidents, but added that the party's top leadership would decide later whether to formally accept the results.
The remarks were made by Jamaat's Head of Publicity and Media, Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer, at a press conference held at the party's central office in the capital. The briefing was organised on the occasion of the election, and representatives of the Jamaat-led alliance were present.
Responding to a question on whether the party would accept the results irrespective of the outcome, Zubayer said the overall environment of the polls was peaceful. "There were some irregularities and instances of mismanagement, but the overall election process was satisfactory," he said.
He noted that an election unfolds in three phases - the pre-election period, the voting process and the announcement of results. "Two phases have been completed. The third remains. All three together constitute a complete election. Once the results are announced, our top leadership will give its final position," he added.
Zubayer said 51 political parties and more than 2,500 candidates took part in the election, describing it as a significant event in the country's history. He claimed that voters cast their ballots spontaneously and that participation was widespread.
Terming voter enthusiasm unprecedented, he said, "People participated sincerely and with great interest. We express our heartfelt gratitude to the people of the country."
