BNP candidate alleges rigging in Rangpur-4, demands recount

Emdadul Haque Bharsa, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate for Rangpur-4, has formally requested a recount of votes, alleging that the election results were manipulated to favor Akhtar Hossain of the 11-party alliance.

Bharsa submitted a written application to the Rangpur Deputy Commissioner and returning officer on Friday, February 13, claiming that “election engineering” with administrative support affected the outcome.

Speaking to reporters, Bharsa said, “I was confident that the people’s mandate would make me the elected MP. 

However, between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm, my opponent created unrest and, with the help of the administration, altered the results. Despite being present at the DC’s office from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, I could not get a meeting.”

He added, “About 8,500 votes were canceled without proper explanation. We want a recount to ensure the correct results are reflected. If justice is not served, we will organise a strong movement.”

According to unofficial results, Akhtar Hossain of the National Citizen Party (NCP), running under the Shapla symbol, was declared the winner of Rangpur-4 with 149,966 votes. His nearest rival, Bharsa, received 140,564 votes. Another candidate, Abu Naser Shah Md Mahbubar Rahman of the Jatiya Party, secured 33,664 votes.