Allegations of Vote Buying Shadow Hasnat Abdullah’s Campaign

As the nation stands on the precipice of a high-stakes electoral contest, a controversial video has emerged from the Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) constituency, sparking intense debate regarding electoral integrity. The footage, which has rapidly circulated across social media platforms, appears to show an activist from the National Citizen Party (NCP) distributing cash to women in broad daylight, a mere few hours before polling is set to commence.

The Anatomy of the Viral Footage

The twenty-eight-second video clip, purportedly filmed in the Burirpar area of Subil Union, depicts an individual identified as Mohammad Mishkat, an NCP worker, handing out 100 BDT notes to a group of local women. Social media users and political commentators have alleged that these payments were intended to procure votes for Hasnat Abdullah, the NCP’s Chief Organiser and a prominent candidate backed by the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance.

Counter-Claims and Contextual Defence

In response to the mounting criticism, local NCP leadership and campaign organisers have sought to provide a different context. They maintain that the incident took place during a 'Uthan Baithak' (a traditional courtyard meeting) organised for female supporters. According to Nazmul Hasan Nahid, a central organiser of the 'Jubo Shakti' (Youth Power) and a close associate of Mr Abdullah, the funds were not bribes but "modest allowances for refreshments."

"This was a pre-arranged meeting for our female volunteers and supporters. The 100 BDT given to each participant was strictly for breakfast and travel expenses," Nahid clarified on Wednesday night. He further asserted that opposition factions are weaponising the footage on the eve of the election to conduct a smear campaign against Hasnat Abdullah.

Political Landscape of Cumilla-4

The electoral dynamics in Debidwar have taken a dramatic turn following the disqualification of the original BNP candidate, Engineer Manjurul Ahsan Munshi, due to loan defaults and alleged concealment of information in his affidavit. In his absence, the BNP-led alliance has formally extended its support to Jasmin Uddin of the Gano Odhikar Parishad, who is contesting under the 'Truck' symbol.

Atmosphere of Suspicion

While the NCP defends the act as a logistical necessity, the timing and the "cash-in-hand" nature of the transaction have placed the local administration on high alert. Neutral observers note that in a constituency where the traditional 'Sheaf of Paddy' (Dharnir Shish) symbol is absent from the ballot, every minor incident could sway the undecided 'Silent Voter.' Senior BNP leaders in the region have notably declined to comment on the matter, perhaps awaiting a formal investigation by the Election Commission.

As dawn breaks on Thursday, the contest between the Jamaat-backed Hasnat Abdullah and the BNP-supported Jashim Uddin remains one of the most closely watched battles in the region, now further clouded by these allegations of financial inducement.