Allegations of Organised Ballot Fraud

A senior leader of the Dhaka South unit of Jubo Dal has levelled grave allegations against Jamaat-e-Islami, claiming that the party is preparing a coordinated plan to rig the forthcoming national parliamentary election through the use of counterfeit ballot papers and organised disruption at polling centres.

In a Facebook post published on Wednesday, Jubo Dal Joint Secretary RabiuI Islam Nayan said that, for some time, there had been “the unmistakable scent of conspiracy” surrounding the upcoming polls. He added that, after making enquiries through what he described as highly reliable sources, he had uncovered information that was “deeply alarming”.

According to Nayan, Jamaat activists have already completed preparations to cast large numbers of fake votes. He alleged that the party has printed counterfeit ballot papers that closely resemble official ballots, similar in appearance to those reportedly produced in the Nilkhet area during past student elections. These ballots, he claimed, replicate official designs down to serial numbers, candidate names and electoral symbols, and were allegedly produced with foreknowledge of the official ballot format.

Nayan further claimed that these forged ballot papers have already been distributed to various parts of the country. Drawing a parallel with earlier controversies, he alleged that similar methods had been employed during the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections, where ballots were purportedly reproduced with administrative connivance.

The most troubling aspect of the allegation concerns the scale and organisation of the supposed operation. Nayan asserted that both male and female Jamaat workers have been instructed to cast as many as 20 fraudulent votes each. He claimed that ballots would be pre-stamped in advance, with individuals carrying multiple ballot papers concealed in clothing. According to his account, this activity would begin shortly after dawn prayers and continue until midday, potentially allowing a small group to insert hundreds of votes into ballot boxes before ordinary voters arrive.

He further alleged that, from midday onwards, organised groups would seek to create disorder and mob situations at polling stations, with the intention of intimidating voters and preventing genuine participation in the electoral process.

Nayan also referred to previous media reports alleging the disappearance of postal ballots sent to expatriate voters. In addition, he claimed that women affiliated with Jamaat-linked organisations have been visiting households to collect voters’ national identity numbers, telephone details and mobile financial account information, describing these activities as part of a broader conspiracy.

Calling for vigilance, Nayan urged citizens and political activists alike to remain alert and resist any attempts to undermine the integrity of the election. “All forms of conspiracy must be thwarted,” he said, emphasising the need for collective awareness to protect the democratic process.

Summary of Allegations Raised

The allegations remain claims made by a political figure and have not been independently verified at the time of writing.