BNP’s victory inevitable; stay alert until final results: Mahdi

He made these remarks at a press conference held this evening at the BNP’s election steering committee office in Gulshan.

Mahdi Amin called upon the pro-democratic people to stay alert to ensure that the election results are properly secured. 

He urged those from BNP and its affiliated organizations involved in election steering to ensure that there is no irregularity in vote counting and the announcement of results.

He said that the people exercised their voting rights with deep emotion and aspiration. In a democratic Bangladesh, the government to be elected by the people’s mandate will sincerely uphold that trust, he added.

Mahdi Amin expressed sincere thanks and greetings to the Election Commission, the armed forces, the interim government, law enforcement agencies, and all others involved in conducting the 13th Jatiya Sangsad Polls and the referendum.

He said that many people were injured in election-related violence and, tragically, some lost their lives for various reasons. He expressed sympathy and condolences to the affected families.

Mahdi Amin stated that since last night there had been violence, irregularities, and what he described as a “festival of black money” in various places aimed at making the election controversial. 

He acknowledged that those responsible for security played a very important role and that the people also set an example of united resistance.

He alleged that the main objective behind violations of the code of conduct since last night was to counter the visible and significant difference between BNP and its rival political party. 

He claimed that voters were threatened and discouraged in an attempt to keep them away from polling centers. He added that had these unfortunate incidents not occurred, voter turnout might have been even higher.

Mahdi Amin further alleged that in many places pre-stamped ballots were found and fake votes were cast. 

In some cases, there were allegations of votes being cast in the names of deceased individuals, while others claimed they were unable to cast their own votes—describing it as a revival of the undemocratic practice of one person voting on behalf of another, reminiscent of the fascist era, he said.

He alleged that fake local observers were created to form mobs that obstructed voter presence at polling stations. 

He said BNP had informed the Election Commission about the matter earlier. While the Commission took some steps in certain cases, he claimed that more sincere and comprehensive action could have prevented the incidents more effectively, he said.

Mahdi Amin further alleged that a particular political party used social media in a way that created fear among voters regarding casting their ballots.

He asserted the reality is that BNP’s victory is inevitable and overwhelming, and no ill attempt can undermine its success.

BNP Media Cell Convener Professor Moudud Hossain Almgir Pavel and member Shairul Kabir Khan, among others, were present, reports BSS.