The National Citizens Party (NCP) has alleged irregularities in the vote-counting process during Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections and has urged the Election Commission to review disputed constituencies before publishing the final results.
The party was formed following the 2024 student-led uprising that led to the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Despite its role in that movement, Bangladeshi media reports indicate the NCP is projected to win six seats.
At a late-night press conference, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud said discrepancies were observed between figures published by media outlets, polling station data, and results declared by election officials.
Allegations in Dhaka Constituencies
Mahmud alleged irregularities in Dhaka-11, Dhaka-13, Dhaka-15, Dhaka-17 and Dhaka-19. He said in some constituencies winners were declared before full vote counting was completed, while in other cases previously announced results were later changed.
The NCP is part of an 11-party alliance that includes Jamaat-e-Islami. Mahmud claimed that leading candidates from the alliance were targeted and that the party had evidence of result manipulation.
In Dhaka-8, he further alleged that ballot papers stamped outside the designated electoral symbol were included in the vote count.
Claims of Pressure in Kurigram
Mahmud also alleged that in Kurigram-1 and Kurigram-2 constituencies, pressure and tension followed unofficial declarations of victory for alliance candidates.
The NCP has formally requested the Election Commission to re-examine vote counts in disputed constituencies, conduct re-verification if necessary, and ensure impartial publication of final results. The Election Commission has not issued an official response to the allegations, according to media reports.
BNP Set for Victory
Meanwhile, preliminary results indicate that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to secure victory. BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is expected to become prime minister. He is the eldest son of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
Election authorities have not publicly commented on the specific claims raised by the NCP.
