BNP Candidate Demands Fresh Election in Dhaka-14

The defeated Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate for the Dhaka-14 constituency, Sanjida Islam Tuli, has formally requested the suspension of the recent election results, citing widespread irregularities and calling for a rerun.

On Friday afternoon (12 February), Ms Tuli visited the Election Commission office in Agargaon, Dhaka, to lodge her official complaints. She alleged that “election engineering” had taken place in her constituency, compromising the integrity of the vote.

According to Ms Tuli, polling agents supporting her party were forcibly removed from several polling stations, while her campaign workers faced physical intimidation. She also claimed that sealed ballot papers were distributed prior to the commencement of voting, raising serious concerns about the transparency of the process.

Furthermore, Ms Tuli asserted that the official results from many polling centres had not yet been publicly disclosed. She alleged that signatures from polling agents were collected before all votes were counted, contravening proper electoral procedures.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Ms Tuli urged the Election Commission to establish an independent investigation committee to examine the allegations thoroughly. “Only a neutral and transparent inquiry can restore confidence in the democratic process,” she stated.

Key Allegations Raised by Sanjida Islam Tuli

Ms Tuli’s call for a fresh election reflects broader concerns over electoral fairness in the Dhaka-14 constituency. Analysts suggest that if her demands are formally investigated, the Election Commission may face mounting pressure to ensure impartiality and maintain public trust in the democratic process.

The Election Commission has not yet commented on Ms Tuli’s allegations, but any inquiry will be closely watched by political observers and civil society groups alike.