Nothing to do even if Tarek starves for 522hrs, says EC secy
The Election Commission has sparked outrage after dismissing concerns over Aam Jantar Dal member secretary Tarek Rahman’s hunger strike, now running for more than 123 hours, demanding his party’s registration.
Asked about Tarek’s continued protest, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed made a terse remark that drew sharp criticism: “There is nothing to do even if it is 522 hours,” he told reporters on Sunday. “Can the Election Commission go beyond the rules? So… you got my answer.”
Tarek Rahman, visibly weakened but resolute, insisted his hunger strike would continue “as long as necessary,” accusing the commission of blatant bias and corruption in its recent registration decisions.
“Of course, I am adamant on my decision. It will continue. Where did they get three upazilas? Later, how did it become 33? I cannot accept this,” Tarek said, referring to what he claims are fabricated documents used to justify approval for another party.
He alleged that no one from the EC had reached out to him since a deputy secretary briefly met him on Thursday.
On Saturday, Tarek levelled serious corruption charges against the EC, alleging that the rival Aam Janagan Party, led by Rafiqul Amin of the Destiny Group, obtained registration through a Tk 2 crore bribe.
“While my party is being denied registration despite fulfilling all legal requirements, Rafiqul Amin’s organisation was granted legitimacy through corruption,” Tarek told reporters outside the EC headquarters in Agargaon.
He claimed that EC officials met Destiny Group representatives at a five-star hotel in Dhaka, where the deal was finalised. “I have evidence,” Tarek said. “One EC officer, unhappy for getting a smaller share, revealed everything. I’ve submitted a formal complaint — now let them investigate.”
Tarek accused the EC of undermining its own verification process.
“They send teams into the field to verify parties, but behind closed doors, deals are being struck in hotels. That is the reality we face,” he alleged.
He demanded an independent probe and the immediate cancellation of Aam Janagan Party’s registration, warning that public confidence in the electoral process was collapsing.
He further questioned Amin’s credibility, noting his conviction and imprisonment over the Destiny Group scandal, which defrauded over 4.3 million investors.
“He was jailed for stealing people’s hard-earned money. He was released because of the July uprising, not any court verdict. Now he wants to form a political party — not for public service, but to protect his wealth.”