I was defeated by vote rigging: Inu

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasod) president Hasanul Huq Inu has alleged that he was defeated not by people's votes, but by vote rigging.

"I have been defeated not by people's votes, but by manipulation of votes. I hope that it will be investigated and necessary measures will be taken," he said.

Inu, a candidate of 'boat' symbol from Kushtia-2 constituency, said this replying to queries of journalists after exchanging opinion with the party leaders and workers at Mirpur Upazila Jasad office in Kushtia early Tuesday afternoon.

Noting that election was free, fair and impartial across the country, he said: "But, it was unfortunate that the hoodlums of my rival candidate in Kushtia-2 (Mirpur-Bheramara) constituency had spread panic from seven days before the election day. It couldn't be stopped."

"An unusual trend of vote casting was noticed in 18, out of 161 centres, on the voting day which was carried on through ballot rigging. In spite of protesting the matter and drawing attention of the local administration to it, the officials concerned failed to take necessary steps," he added.

It may be mentioned that Hasanul Haq Inu was defeated by 19,161 votes in the 12th parliamentary elections held on Sunday.

Inu, who contested with AL's electoral symbol 'boat', got 79,735 votes, while his rival Kamarul Arefin, a leader of Awami League and an independent candidate with 'truck' symbol, was unofficially elected getting 98,896 votes.

In four parliamentary constituencies in Kushtia district, only one Awami League nominated candidate has won in the election.