Alarm Over Attempted Polling Centre Takeovers

Serious allegations over the integrity of the forthcoming parliamentary election have intensified political tensions in the Dhaka-8 constituency, after Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate Mirza Abbas accused rival groups of attempting to infiltrate polling stations and manipulate the voting process.

Addressing a press conference at his Shahjahanpur residence in the capital on Wednesday night (11 February), Mr Abbas claimed that activists affiliated with the National Citizens’ Platform (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing had sought to enter several “important” polling centres. According to him, between 200 and 300 individuals had gathered in residential houses, hostels and madrasas in the Arambagh area and its surrounding neighbourhoods.

He alleged that many among them were armed and could attempt to seize control of polling stations on the morning of election day. Such actions, he warned, would undermine the prospect of a free, fair and credible ballot.

Mr Abbas further claimed that attempts had already been made to enter at least seven polling centres, including Siddheswari Girls’ School. He stated that BNP activists and local residents had maintained a vigilant presence, enabling them to thwart these efforts. Several suspects were reportedly detained and handed over to Ramna Police Station, though they were later released. At the time of reporting, no immediate statement had been issued by law enforcement authorities regarding the allegations.

Dhaka-8 is regarded as one of the capital’s politically significant and densely populated constituencies. Voter turnout has historically been relatively high, and electoral contests are often fiercely competitive. According to Election Commission officials, multiple polling stations in the constituency have been designated as “important” or “high-risk”, warranting enhanced security arrangements.

Election authorities have confirmed that each polling station will be staffed by a Presiding Officer, Assistant Presiding Officers and Polling Officers, supported by members of the police and Ansar forces. Additional deployments are expected at centres assessed as vulnerable.

A summary of the principal allegations is set out below:

Mr Abbas accused his opponents of engaging in what he termed “vote engineering” aimed at influencing the outcome through organised irregularities. He cautioned that any attempt to seize polling stations or disrupt voting could destabilise the broader electoral environment.

At the same time, he urged the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies to discharge their duties impartially and firmly. He expressed confidence that voters, drawing upon a longstanding tradition of political mobilisation and democratic activism, would turn out in large numbers to defeat any alleged conspiracy.

As election day approaches, the veracity of these claims and the effectiveness of security measures on the ground are likely to prove decisive in determining whether voting in Dhaka-8 proceeds in a peaceful and credible manner.