Dhaka: Claiming that its victory is inevitable, the BNP on Thursday urged party leaders and activists to remain vigilant 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.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Mahdi Amin stated that BNP’s victory is inevitable and absolute, and no attempt to undermine it will succeed. He emphasized that the surge of the sheaf of paddy symbolizes the victory of BNP and of democracy, expressing optimism for an imminent victory for Bangladesh. The press conference took place at the party’s Gulshan election office following the vote closing.
Mahdi Amin highlighted that the people of the country exercised their voting rights with deep emotion and aspiration. He expressed hope that a government elected by the people’s mandate would uphold the democratic expectations of Bangladesh. He urged pro-democracy individuals to remain vigilant to ensure the integrity of the voting results.
He also called on those from BNP and its associate organizations involved in election steering activities to ensure that there are no irregularities in the counting of votes and the announcement of results. Mahdi expressed gratitude towards the Election Commission, armed forces, interim government, and law enforcement agencies for their roles 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. He alleged that violence, irregularities, and the use of black money occurred in various areas in an attempt to make the election controversial. However, he acknowledged the significant role played by security personnel and the public’s unity in resistance.
Mahdi also alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct aimed at offsetting the visible gap between BNP and its rival political party. He claimed that voters were threatened and discouraged from going to polling centers, which affected voter turnout. He reported incidents of pre-stamped ballot papers, fake votes, and some individuals being unable to cast their votes, describing these as a return to undemocratic practices.
Mahdi further accused a particular political party of using social media to create fear among voters, thereby impacting their decision to cast ballots. He noted that attempts were made to create mobs through so-called local fake observers, which hindered voter presence, and that the Election Commission had been informed of these issues. Mahdi suggested that more comprehensive measures by the commission could have prevented these situations.