Dhaka, February 14 – Following a decisive victory in the 13th Parliamentary election, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to form the next government in Bangladesh. In response, the radical Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, alleged that the results in some constituencies were rigged, according to local media reports.
Speaking at a press conference at the party office in Dhaka, Jamaat Chief Shafiqur Rahman claimed that since Friday night, the residences of leaders and workers of the Jamaat-led 11-party electoral alliance have been attacked in several parts of the country.
He warned that tougher measures would be taken if these issues were not addressed within a specified time, according to Prothom Alo, Bangladesh's leading Bengali daily.
Commenting on the election outcome, Rahman said, "If the election results are normal, there are usually no major objections. Everyone generally accepts them. But if there is any major discrimination or irregularity, then it naturally raises questions. Despite our positive view yesterday, today, in different parts of Bangladesh, the houses of the workers, supporters, agents, and voters of the 11-party electoral alliance are being attacked, individuals are being assaulted, and houses are being set on fire."
"We have enough observations and objections regarding those who got the majority of seats in the elections; no matter how they got them, they will have to take responsibility. Peace and order in the country will be maintained – if they form the government, it is their responsibility. But what are these signs now? They have to be stopped now. If they are not stopped yet, we will be forced to make a decision," he added.
At least one person was killed and 36 others were injured in post-election violence across Bangladesh between Thursday night and Friday evening, amidst allegations of clashes within parties, attacks by rival groups, and vandalism.
During a clash between rival factions affiliated with the BNP in Sadar Upazila of Munshiganj district, a young man was killed, according to The Daily Star, Bangladesh's leading newspaper.
The deceased, 30-year-old Md Jasim Nayeb, a supporter of an independent candidate and expelled BNP district member secretary Md Mohiuddin, was critically injured in the violence on Friday afternoon and succumbed to his injuries at Dhaka Medical College Hospital in the evening.
According to police, previous disputes between rival groups in the area escalated into a violent confrontation over election-related issues, during which Jasim was hit on the head with a sharp weapon, leaving him gravely injured.
With BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman now set to lead Bangladesh, experts warn that the nation faces a major challenge in overcoming the unrest and rising Islamist extremism that characterized the 18-month tenure of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.
