Islami Andolan expresses fear of election engineering

Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum tomorrow, Islami Andolan Bangladesh has expressed concern over the transparency of the voting process at an emergency press conference held at Purana Paltan in the capital.

The party's Senior Joint Secretary General and spokesperson, Gazi Ataur Rahman, said, "Talk of 'election engineering' is being heard in the election marketplace, which could tarnish the election. The administration and Election Commission must play a responsible role to prevent this situation." He called upon political parties to behave responsibly.

Gazi Ataur Rahman alleged that money is being splurged in various parts of the country ahead of the election and that agents of Islami Andolan candidates are being threatened. He claimed, "At least 10 of our members have been seriously injured and around 50 others sustained minor injuries in attacks by BNP and Jamaat activists."

He informed that Islami Andolan leaders and activists have been instructed to vote in the national parliamentary election and also to vote 'yes' in the referendum. In the 42 constituencies where Islami Andolan could not field candidates, instructions have been given to vote for specific parties or independent candidates.

Media Cell Coordinator Mahbubur Rahman and leader Aftab Uddin were present at the press conference. Gazi Ataur Rahman called upon voters to cast their votes for the hand fan symbol and stated that they would accept the results after the election. He cautioned, "It must be ensured that this is not a conspiratorial or rigged election."