Jatiya Party Accuses Interim Government of Manipulating Election Results
In a recent statement, Jatiya Party has accused the interim government of orchestrating their defeat in the 13th parliamentary elections through widespread irregularities and manipulation of results. Secretary General Shameem Haider Patwary made these claims during a press briefing at Dhaka Reporters Unity, expressing the party’s belief that the interim government deliberately prevented them from securing any seats.
Patwary stated that the election outcome was allegedly manipulated with the assistance of officials, emphasizing that despite their disappointment, they remain undeterred. He claimed that their votes were unlawfully taken away through fraudulent means, leading to the party’s failure to secure any seats in the February 12 polls.
Highlighting that 45 out of the party’s 196 candidates had their nominations canceled, Shameem described the election as a “hybrid vote” tainted by ballot stuffing, vote manipulation, and administrative intervention. He held the interim government accountable for the irregularities, asserting that ensuring a fair election was not their priority.
Moreover, Shameem alleged that voter turnout figures were inflated with official backing, echoing similar grievances raised by other political parties. Regarding constitutional reform, he commended the BNP for abstaining from taking oath in the reform council, citing the lack of consensus over the July Charter. He emphasized the need for any referendum or constitutional changes to be conducted through parliamentary procedures.
In addition, he criticized the prevalence of “mob culture” and called for its immediate eradication from the political landscape.