Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad has alleged irregularities in the February 12 parliamentary elections and demanded recounts in 32 constituencies where the party narrowly lost.
Speaking after a meeting between the 11-party alliance and four commissioners of the Election Commission of Bangladesh, along with senior officials at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, Azad said alliance representatives observed several signs of an unhealthy voting environment during visits to polling centres.
While voting began smoothly, he noted, the final stages were marred by irregularities that may have affected the narrow outcomes in those constituencies. He emphasized that if vote engineering occurred, responsibility would also rest with the Election Commission.
Azad outlined the legal avenues available, stating that the alliance intends to follow the three-step process prescribed by law first approaching the EC, then the election tribunal, and finally the High Court. "We will pursue the legal process, although our rights in some areas may have been compromised," he said.
The Jamaat leader also raised concerns about broader irregularities, citing forged ballots, the circulation of illicit money, threats, intimidation and isolated attacks. Although he acknowledged that large-scale violence was limited, he said such incidents cast doubt on the integrity of the election.
Azad criticized the timing of the gazette notification, issued at 1100pm on February 13, arguing that it deprived remote voters of adequate time to file complaints. He added that the EC had assured the alliance that legal options remain open and that proper procedures can be followed to seek redress.
On post-election developments, Azad expressed concern over continued violence before and after the polls. Referring to reports from 54 districts and his own constituency-where three women were injured-he warned that if violence persists, the alliance may be compelled to take to the streets. At the same time, he said the 11-party alliance intends to play a constructive role in Parliament.
To protest alleged electoral violence and irregularities, the alliance has announced a demonstration on February 16 at 430pm at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka. The rally is expected to include top alliance leaders, including Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman.
Regarding parliamentary participation, Azad confirmed that the alliance has decided to take the oath of office and function in Parliament while retaining the right to organize street protests.
On electoral reforms, he stressed the urgent need for proportional representation and other structural changes to ensure that public mandates are accurately reflected in future elections. While acknowledging that changes of power are constitutionally normal in Bangladesh, he said this election did not fully reflect public aspirations. Nevertheless, he expressed hope that transparent legal proceedings and proper investigation of complaints would ensure justice and set a positive precedent.
The EC meeting was also attended by other 11-party alliance leaders, including Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Bangladesh Labor Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran, JAGPA spokesperson Rashed Pradhan and National Citizen Party (NCP) Joint Secretary Mahmudah Mitu.
