Dhaka: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and Head of Media and Publicity Advocate Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair has stated that despite some irregularities and weaknesses on the part of the government and Election Commission, the people of Bangladesh have largely enjoyed the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum held today. Speaking at a press briefing this evening, he described the election as a historic event that reflected the nation’s long-standing aspiration for a fair and participatory democratic process.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Advocate Zubair noted that the election concluded smoothly at 4:30 pm, with voters who had entered polling centres by that time allowed to cast their ballots. In some areas, counting had already begun. Zubair said the people’s enthusiastic participation demonstrated that free and fair elections are possible in Bangladesh. “We saw long queues from early morning. Citizens from urban areas traveled to villages to take part in the polls. This spontaneous participation proves the nation’s commitment to democracy,” he added.
He mentioned that certain centres witnessed irregularities, including intimidation of polling agents and obstruction in constituencies such as Shariatpur-2, Cumilla-8, and Patuakhali-1. “We informed the Election Commission and administration immediately. They tried to intervene, but some problems persisted. Nevertheless, the conscious people of Bangladesh resisted violence and conspiracies,” he added.
The Jamaat leader emphasized that the interim government had prioritized justice, reform, and election following the historic student-people’s uprising of August 5, 2024. “Today’s election fulfills one of those priorities. The people participated with deep interest, making this a unique and ordinary election at the same time,” he said.
Zubair further stated that results from more than 52,500 centres are expected, with one constituency’s election postponed. He assured that his party, along with the 11-party alliance, would closely monitor the vote counting and final results. “We hope the process will remain peaceful. By tonight we may see preliminary result, while the final results could take until tomorrow morning,” he said.
He congratulated the nation for its role in making the election meaningful, despite ‘Media Trials’ and apprehensions in the preceding days. “The people’s participation has proved all doubts wrong. We believe our alliance candidates across 299 constituencies will fulfill the expectations of the nation,” Zubair said.
Zubair concluded by reaffirming the alliance’s unity against anarchy and violence. “This conscious and responsible nation will never be defeated. With the sacrifices of martyrs, we will build a new Bangladesh,” he added.
The briefing was attended by leaders of Jamaat and allied parties, including Maulana Abdul Halim, Monira Sharmin, Altaf Hossain, S M Yusuf Ali, Md. Miraz Khan, Abdul Hafiz Khusru, Principal Md. Mahbubur Rahman, S M Ziaul Anwar, and Barrister Saif Uddin Khaled.