Originally posted in The Daily Star on 15 February 2026
Leaders of the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance have alleged irregularities in the vote count during the 13th national election, demanding a recount in 32 constituencies, saying that while the polls were largely peaceful, the conclusion of the process was marred by flaws.
“The start was good, but the end was not,” Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad said while speaking to reporters at the Election Commission’s headquarters in Agargaon in Dhaka today.
“Fake votes were rampant, black money flowed, and intimidation and clashes occurred at several places. These elements cast doubt on the fairness of the election,” he added.
Azad said that the environment required for fair counting was absent in many places, with result sheets showing overwriting, erasures, and, in several cases, missing agents’ signatures.
He added that the alliance had submitted a list of 32 constituencies where they believe they were defeated by narrow margins due to counting errors. “We have formally asked the commission to recount these seats,” he said.
Azad noted that even after gazette publication, the law provides three stages of appeal—through the commission, tribunal, and High Court—and the alliance intends to pursue legal remedies.
The 11-party alliance also announced a protest rally and demonstration at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque in Dhaka tomorrow at 4:30pm, condemning electoral “violence”.
Azad warned that continued violence would push the country backwards.
“We will not compromise with forces conspiring to destabilise democracy. If necessary, we will take to the streets,” he said.
On whether the alliance will take oath, Azad confirmed: “We have decided positively. We will join parliament and play a constructive role. At the same time, the streets will remain open to us.”
