Patwary seeks vote recount, suspension of Abbas’s oath

Nasiruddin Patwary, candidate of the 11-party electoral alliance, has submitted an application to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) requesting a halt to the oath-taking of BNP nominated candidate Mirza Abbas in the Dhaka-8 constituency, citing multiple allegations of electoral irregularities.

Patwary, who contested the seat under the Shapla-Koli symbol, filed the petition through National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Kazi Fakhrul Islam at the Election Commission on Sunday, February 15. 

The appeal highlights irregularities at 12 polling centers, presented in 11 detailed points.

In the petition, Patwary accused Abbas, along with his agents, supporters, and family members, of vote rigging, exerting undue influence, withholding results, and including invalid votes in the count. He further alleged that the presiding and returning officers at the centers were complicit in these irregularities.

“Through this petition, I am bringing these incidents of manipulation and misconduct to the Election Commission’s attention and urging that appropriate action be taken in accordance with the law,” Patwari said.

He demanded a full recount of votes before the final results are announced in the constituency.

NS/MHK