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BNP alleges vote buying, Jamaat alleges attacks
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Wednesday alleged that the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami was attempting to influence the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections, to be held today, through illegal financial transactions and acts of intimidation...
www.newagebd.net
BNP alleges vote buying, Jamaat alleges attacks
Staff Correspondent 12 February, 2026, 00:13
Representational image. | New Age file photo
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Wednesday alleged that the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami was attempting to influence the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections, to be held today, through illegal financial transactions and acts of intimidation.
At the same time, the Jamaat submitted a complaint to the Election Commission over the deployment of an ‘unusual number’ of body-worn cameras in the constituencies where the party was likely to perform well and cited attacks on their party people.
The BNP chair’s adviser Mahdi Amin, also the party’s election steering committee spokesperson, said at a press briefing that the Jamaat was allegedly using money to influence voters in several areas.
He urged the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies to take immediate action against such activities.Bangladesh cultural tours
Citing media reports, Mahdi said that the police detained the Thakurgaon district Jamaat amir at Saidpur Airport after he arrived from Dhaka carrying more than Tk 50 lakh in cash.
‘At a time when banks, financial institutions, and business activities have been suspended to prevent illegal transactions during the election period, questions naturally arise about the source of such a large sum of money, its intended purpose, and its recipients,’ he said.
He added, ‘When business activities across the country have remained closed for four consecutive days, one does not need to be an expert to understand for what purpose such a huge amount could be used. This clearly violates the code of conduct and demonstrates the unethical influence attempts of a politically isolated party.’
He also questioned the Jamaat’s consistency with anti-corruption rhetoric, saying, ‘Those who claim to fight corruption must explain how consistent buying votes with money is with that narrative.’
The BNP said that the Saidpur incident should not be viewed in isolation, alleging similar cases of illegal financial transactions in Dhaka-15, Comilla, Noakhali, Khulna, and other areas.
The party further alleged that activists of the rival party were collecting voters’ mobile financial service numbers and voter ID details, though citizens largely rejected such attempts.
Describing the elections as a ‘significant chapter’ in safeguarding the country’s independence, sovereignty, and democracy, the BNP said supporters were returning to their constituencies by launches, buses, and trains to cast their votes, reflecting a festive election atmosphere.
Claiming an inevitable BNP victory, Mahdi Amin alleged that a rival party was attempting to create obstacles, including stockpiling bamboo sticks, pipes, and other materials, to intimidate voters in some districts.
BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, also head of the party’s Election Management Committee, said that anyone attempting to disrupt the election will face resistance from the people without the party needing to act.
A BNP delegation led by Nazrul Islam on Wednesday met with the Chief Election Commissioner at the EC Secretariat in Agargaon, filing complaints and urging the EC to take action.
Nazrul cited several election-related incidents, including a video showing money distribution in Feni-1, and alleged arrests of Jamaat leaders in Mymensingh, Ramu, Bogura’s Kahalu, Lakshmipur, and Saidpur for various illegal activities.
‘Videos and news reports have been submitted to the EC, urging prompt action so that such acts are not repeated. Strong measures must be taken,’ he said.
He added, ‘BNP is not weak in this contest. Those opposing change or certain of defeat may attempt to disrupt the election, and the EC must act decisively.’
Meanwhile, Jamaat assistant secretary general Ehsanul Mahboob Zubair expressed concern over the ‘unusual number’ of body-worn cameras installed in constituencies where Jamaat is likely to perform well, while areas where BNP is stronger reportedly have fewer cameras.
He alleged that this discrepancy favoured a particular political party.
Leaders of the 11-party alliance led by Zubair met with the CEC at the EC headquarters.
After the meeting, Zubair told the media that Jamaat members had faced attacks adding that election booths had been vandalised in various parts of the country.
He added that while the EC said that decisions would be based on police reports, the Jamaat requested a cross-check to determine whether the camera installations were coincidental or intentional.
Zubair also criticised the arrest of a Jamaat leader in Saidpur, claiming he was harassed at the airport while carrying only lawful cash for business purposes, and that police allegedly orchestrated an incident involving journalists, leading to the leader being hospitalised.
Citing a threatening statement by a BNP candidate in Comilla-4, Zubair said that the EC had assured immediate action. He further stressed that Jamaat members had faced attacks in several parts of the country ahead of the election.
‘The Election Commission must take effective measures to ensure a free, fair, and safe election. Mere assurances are not enough,’ he said.
Staff Correspondent 12 February, 2026, 00:13
Representational image. | New Age file photo
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Wednesday alleged that the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami was attempting to influence the 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections, to be held today, through illegal financial transactions and acts of intimidation.
At the same time, the Jamaat submitted a complaint to the Election Commission over the deployment of an ‘unusual number’ of body-worn cameras in the constituencies where the party was likely to perform well and cited attacks on their party people.
The BNP chair’s adviser Mahdi Amin, also the party’s election steering committee spokesperson, said at a press briefing that the Jamaat was allegedly using money to influence voters in several areas.
He urged the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies to take immediate action against such activities.Bangladesh cultural tours
Citing media reports, Mahdi said that the police detained the Thakurgaon district Jamaat amir at Saidpur Airport after he arrived from Dhaka carrying more than Tk 50 lakh in cash.
‘At a time when banks, financial institutions, and business activities have been suspended to prevent illegal transactions during the election period, questions naturally arise about the source of such a large sum of money, its intended purpose, and its recipients,’ he said.
He added, ‘When business activities across the country have remained closed for four consecutive days, one does not need to be an expert to understand for what purpose such a huge amount could be used. This clearly violates the code of conduct and demonstrates the unethical influence attempts of a politically isolated party.’
He also questioned the Jamaat’s consistency with anti-corruption rhetoric, saying, ‘Those who claim to fight corruption must explain how consistent buying votes with money is with that narrative.’
The BNP said that the Saidpur incident should not be viewed in isolation, alleging similar cases of illegal financial transactions in Dhaka-15, Comilla, Noakhali, Khulna, and other areas.
The party further alleged that activists of the rival party were collecting voters’ mobile financial service numbers and voter ID details, though citizens largely rejected such attempts.
Describing the elections as a ‘significant chapter’ in safeguarding the country’s independence, sovereignty, and democracy, the BNP said supporters were returning to their constituencies by launches, buses, and trains to cast their votes, reflecting a festive election atmosphere.
Claiming an inevitable BNP victory, Mahdi Amin alleged that a rival party was attempting to create obstacles, including stockpiling bamboo sticks, pipes, and other materials, to intimidate voters in some districts.
BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, also head of the party’s Election Management Committee, said that anyone attempting to disrupt the election will face resistance from the people without the party needing to act.
A BNP delegation led by Nazrul Islam on Wednesday met with the Chief Election Commissioner at the EC Secretariat in Agargaon, filing complaints and urging the EC to take action.
Nazrul cited several election-related incidents, including a video showing money distribution in Feni-1, and alleged arrests of Jamaat leaders in Mymensingh, Ramu, Bogura’s Kahalu, Lakshmipur, and Saidpur for various illegal activities.
‘Videos and news reports have been submitted to the EC, urging prompt action so that such acts are not repeated. Strong measures must be taken,’ he said.
He added, ‘BNP is not weak in this contest. Those opposing change or certain of defeat may attempt to disrupt the election, and the EC must act decisively.’
Meanwhile, Jamaat assistant secretary general Ehsanul Mahboob Zubair expressed concern over the ‘unusual number’ of body-worn cameras installed in constituencies where Jamaat is likely to perform well, while areas where BNP is stronger reportedly have fewer cameras.
He alleged that this discrepancy favoured a particular political party.
Leaders of the 11-party alliance led by Zubair met with the CEC at the EC headquarters.
After the meeting, Zubair told the media that Jamaat members had faced attacks adding that election booths had been vandalised in various parts of the country.
He added that while the EC said that decisions would be based on police reports, the Jamaat requested a cross-check to determine whether the camera installations were coincidental or intentional.
Zubair also criticised the arrest of a Jamaat leader in Saidpur, claiming he was harassed at the airport while carrying only lawful cash for business purposes, and that police allegedly orchestrated an incident involving journalists, leading to the leader being hospitalised.
Citing a threatening statement by a BNP candidate in Comilla-4, Zubair said that the EC had assured immediate action. He further stressed that Jamaat members had faced attacks in several parts of the country ahead of the election.
‘The Election Commission must take effective measures to ensure a free, fair, and safe election. Mere assurances are not enough,’ he said.
