Jamaat alleges EC complicity in Thakurgaon-1 by-election irregularities

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar on Friday accused Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin and Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhter Ahmed of colluding with those responsible for alleged irregularities in the Thakurgaon-1 by-election.

He said the denial of electoral irregularities by the head and secretary of a constitutional institution indicated an understanding with those involved in the alleged malpractice, adding that they had failed to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

Golam Porwar made the remarks at a press conference at Jamaat’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka, on preparations for the 11-party alliance’s long march towards Khulna and Kushtia today.

After voting ended on Thursday, Akhter Ahmed said the polling had been peaceful and the commission was satisfied. Nasir Uddin earlier said the by-election was peaceful and the alliance’s complaints had been addressed.

Disputing the commission’s assessment, Golam Porwar alleged that presiding and polling officers worked without identity cards or badges and could not produce appointment letters. He also alleged that ballot papers were stamped in advance, fake votes were cast and polling agents were forced out of several centres.

He said the party would announce its position on the results after reviewing information gathered from grassroots sources.

Reiterating his demand for implementation of the referendum verdict, in which nearly 70% of voters cast ‘Yes’ votes, he warned of political confrontation if the government failed to respect the outcome.

He urged the government to convene the Constitutional Reform Council during the parliamentary session scheduled for 9 November.

The convoy will leave the Baitul Mukarram area and cover around 425km through 19 districts, with roadside rallies along the route. Around 650-700 vehicles are expected to join initially, rising to about 1,000 in Khulna and 1,500 by the time the convoy reaches Kushtia District Stadium.

He urged activists to maintain discipline, remain peaceful and not leave their vehicles even if provoked.