Rangpur ballot shows voters turn against JaPa: Akhtar

Akhtar Hossain, NCP candidate who won Rangpur-4 (Kaunia-Pirgacha) seat, has said the biggest triumph in this election is that the people of Rangpur have rejected Jatiya Party (JaPa). 

Speaking to journalists early Friday morning outside the district returning officer and deputy commissioner’s office, he highlighted that 11-party alliance claimed victory in six constituencies across Rangpur.

Akhtar Hossain pointed out that in one seat, candidate won with Shapla Koli symbol, while in five others, candidates with Darpalla symbol prevailed, effectively rendering JaPa politically irrelevant in the region during this election. 

He compared the voters’ rejection of autocratic forces on February 12 to a similar rebuff of Awami League on August 5, thanking those who worked impartially to ensure a fair voting process.

Acknowledging instances of irregularities, violence and casualties in some areas, he said the party and its alliance are reviewing all matters and will issue an official statement shortly.

According to district returning officer and deputy commissioner Mohammad Enamul Ahsan, Akhtar Hossain, contesting with Shapla Kali symbol, secured 149,966 votes, defeating his nearest rival, BNP candidate Emdadul Haque Bhorosa, who ran with Dhaner Shish symbol and received 140,564 votes. 

The constituency’s referendum also saw “Yes” vote prevail.

SH