11-party alliance seeks deployment of army for Thakurgaon-1 by-election

Bangla Press Desk: An 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami met with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to express concerns regarding potential irregularities in the by-election for the Thakurgaon-1 constituency. To ensure a free and fair vote, the alliance has put forward several demands, including an investigation into the conduct of the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) and subsequent action against them, the deployment of the army at polling stations, and the implementation of surveillance via CCTV cameras. The leaders have also warned of launching a nationwide, rigorous protest movement should any irregularities occur during the election.

They shared these details with journalists on Wednesday (October 28) following a meeting with CEC A.M.M. Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Hamidur Rahman Azad, the alliance coordinator and Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that the Election Commission’s handling of the Thakurgaon election has left them disappointed. He demanded legal action against the BNP candidate for alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct. Furthermore, he emphasized the necessity of deploying the army at polling stations to ensure the safety of voters.

Nasiruddin Patwary, a senior joint convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP), also voiced concerns regarding the election. He questioned whether, even if voters are able to cast their ballots, those votes will be counted accurately.

In a separate letter submitted to the CEC, the 11-party alliance detailed several grievances, including violations of the electoral code of conduct, the intimidation of voters, attacks on political opponents, and questions regarding the neutrality of the administration.

The letter alleges that the BNP candidate conducted campaign activities using loudspeakers ahead of the permitted time. It further claims that attempts were made to influence voters by involving government physicians—under the guise of providing medical services—across various unions, and that campaign stickers containing slogans were placed inside mosques. According to the alliance, although these issues were reported to local authorities, no effective action was taken.

The alliance has demanded an investigation into allegations of political bias against the Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila Executive Officer, calling for their removal prior to the election. Additionally, they have urged for the installation of CCTV cameras at polling stations, the provision for live video broadcasting, and the immediate initiation of legal action should any irregularities be detected. The by-election for the Thakurgaon-1 constituency is scheduled to be held on October 29. Delwar Hossain is contesting as the candidate nominated by Jamaat-e-Islami. Meanwhile, the BNP candidate, Mirza Faysal Amin—who serves as the district president of the BNP and is a former municipal mayor—is the younger brother of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

Bp/Sp