Maulana Mamunul Haque, the leader of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, has accused that the election day, which began with a “peaceful election drama,” transitioned into a deceptive manipulation of the people later on. He expressed these views during his participation as the main speaker at a protest gathering organized by the Jamaat-led 11-party electoral coalition to condemn the violence, oppression, and arson incidents following the elections. The event took place at the north entrance of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Paltan, Dhaka.
Mamunul highlighted that the citizens had anticipated a fair election in the “new Bangladesh” forged through numerous sacrifices, but the polls on February 12 were orchestrated with predetermined outcomes. He alleged that specific individuals were hindered from accessing the parliament and accused the authorities of being under the influence of the “deep state.” Directing his comments to the chief election commissioner, he cautioned that unaddressed grievances might lead to public unrest.
During the gathering, Mia Golam Porwar, the general secretary of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, presiding over the event, remarked on the efforts to distort the July Charter, established with blood, by manipulating the narratives through various media figures. He criticized the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), stating, “The nation is appalled by the post-election turmoil. Despite winning through manipulation, you have instigated violence against the populace – including killings, terror acts, arson targeting homes, brutal assaults, and assaults on women. These acts are reminiscent of fascist regimes.”
Following the rally, Nasiruddin Patwary, the chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP); Saiful Alam Khan Milon, a member of the Jamaat central executive council and the newly elected MP from Dhaka-12; Omar Faruk, a presidium member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP); Mojibur Rahman Monju, the chairman of Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party); and Rashed Prodhan, the spokesperson of Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (Jagpa), criticized the government and the Election Commission for their roles during the elections, while also pointing fingers at the BNP.
Subsequently, a protest march proceeded towards Shahbagh via the National Press Club and Matsya Bhaban after the conclusion of the rally.