Dhaka erupted in celebration as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) clinched a resounding victory in the 13th parliamentary elections, positioning itself to form the next government. However, the triumph was marred by serious allegations from the hardline Jamaat-e-Islami, which accused authorities of widespread rigging and post-poll violence.
In a heated press conference in the capital, Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman voiced grave concerns over irregularities in several constituencies. He revealed that since Friday night, homes of leaders and activists from the 11-party election alliance led by his party had been targeted in attacks across multiple regions.
Rahman warned that failure to address these incidents promptly would force his party to take stringent measures. ‘If election results come normally, there’s usually no major objection. Everyone accepts them,’ he stated. But he lambasted the apparent discrimination and manipulations, noting attacks on alliance workers, supporters, agents, and voters, including arson on residences.
‘Those who secured the most seats bear significant responsibility. If they form the government, maintaining peace is their duty. These signals must stop now, or we’ll be compelled to act,’ Rahman asserted.
The elections, held on Thursday, spiraled into violence by Friday evening. Reports confirmed at least one fatality and 36 injuries from clashes between party rivals, opposition assaults, and vandalism. In Munshiganj district’s Sadar upazila, a young man named Mohammad Jasim Nayeb, a 30-year-old supporter of an independent candidate backed by a former BNP leader, was beaten to death amid rival group skirmishes.
Jasim succumbed to his injuries at Dhaka Medical College Hospital that evening after a sharp weapon struck his head during the fray. Police reports indicate initial disputes over poll-related issues escalated into brutal confrontations, leaving the area tense.
As BNP revels in its bumper win, the shadow of these allegations and violence looms large, raising questions about the stability of Bangladesh’s political landscape. With Rahman’s ultimatum hanging in the air, all eyes are on how the incoming administration will restore order and address the grievances.