Mirza Abbas Says Voter Manipulation Failed to Sway Results

Mirza Abbas wave to party activists at the jail gate following his release on Monday (19 February).

BNP senior leader and Dhaka-8 MP-elect Mirza Abbas said on Friday that attempts at “vote engineering” by his main rival failed to override the people’s mandate.

“A group tried to divert votes through cunning tactics, but public support proved stronger,” he said.

After visiting his family graveyard in Shahjahanpur following Jummah prayers, Abbas claimed that many ballots in his favour were unfairly cancelled.

He also questioned the unusually high vote count of his nearest rival, Mohammad Nasir Uddin Patwary of the National Citizen Party.

“They have no real public backing, so how did they secure so many votes? This indicates behind-the-scenes manipulation,” he said, suggesting that the NCP candidate may have prepared for such tactics in advance.

Abbas warned that these practices are dangerous for the country and signal a troubling trend. On a possible re-count, he noted, “Any decision lies entirely with the Election Commission. If they deem it necessary, they can act.”

He called on BNP supporters to remain calm, adding, “I am pleased with BNP’s decisive victory, and the people are happy. Citizens voted with joy.”

Unofficial results show Abbas with 59,366 votes, while Patwary received 54,127.