Jamaat seeks recount in 30 seats

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has demanded a recount in 30 constituencies in the 13th national parliamentary elections, alleging widespread irregularities and what it described as “election engineering” to alter results.

The demand was made at a press conference in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon, where party leaders claimed that the outcomes in several key seats could change if votes are counted again.

Among the constituencies mentioned were Dhaka-8, Dhaka-17, Dhaka-13 and Dhaka-6. Jamaat leaders said they have so far received formal complaints from 30 seats and are collecting information from additional polling centres.

The party’s assistant secretary general and head of the publicity and media department, Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, alleged that results were “intentionally changed” to ensure the victory of certain candidates. 

He also cited incidents of intimidation, manipulation and what he termed the mysterious defeat of Jamaat contenders.

He further claimed that “a group from the administration and a group within the Election Commission” were involved in orchestrating the alleged manipulation.

Despite the complaints, Jamaat secured 68 seats independently and 77 seats through alliances in the election. 

The party is set to take on the role of the main opposition in parliament.

The Election Commission has yet to respond to Jamaat’s latest allegations.