The 11-Party Alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami has outlined a dual strategy to address alleged irregularities in the recent parliamentary election. The coalition aims to function as an opposition both within the parliament and through street demonstrations, alongside pursuing legal recourse. Hamidur Rahman Azad, Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat, unveiled these strategies at a briefing held at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka, after a liaison committee meeting.
The alliance plans to play a constructive role as an opposition in parliament, but reserves the right to engage in protests if legal avenues are obstructed. Azad emphasized the unity of the electoral alliance in parliamentary activities and decision-making, tailored to the current political landscape for the benefit of the nation and its citizens.
Citing concerns of “election engineering” and result manipulation, Azad pointed out narrow victory margins in several constituencies and delays in recounting processes due to late publication of the gazette. He highlighted the rejection of candidates’ recount applications by the Election Commission, citing the gazette’s prior release as the reason for their denial of rights.
Given the gazette’s issuance, Azad indicated the alliance’s intention to seek redress through election tribunals and possibly file writ petitions with the High Court. He noted the activation of the provision for nominating 100 upper house members based on proportional votes following the “Yes” vote in the recent charter referendum.
Addressing the BNP’s electoral success, Azad urged the party to assume greater responsibility in its governance. He warned of potential political initiatives by the alliance in response to post-election violence and highlighted allegations of irregularities, including claims of manipulation in 30 constituencies, which the alliance plans to present to the Election Commission.
Earlier statements from Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman acknowledged the election results and pledged the party’s commitment to serving as a vigilant and peaceful opposition in parliament. Rahman expressed pride in the party’s increased parliamentary presence and stressed the importance of upholding democratic principles and the rule of law.
In a bid to address alleged discrepancies in election results, Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and head of the central publicity department, called for the suspension of oath-taking for declared winners in the contested constituencies. Zubair accused certain officials from the administration and the Election Commission of deliberate alteration of results to undermine the candidates of Jamaat and the 11-party alliance.
Following the briefing, a social media post by Shafiqur expressing acknowledgment of the election outcome and respect for the constitutional process was swiftly removed after garnering significant attention.