BNP’s Aminul Haque Challenges Dhaka-16 Election Result

Dhaka: BNP candidate Aminul Haque has formally challenged the outcome of the Dhaka-16 constituency in the 13th National Parliament elections, alleging irregularities and procedural lapses. He has petitioned the High Court to annul the result and conduct a full recount of the votes.

According to court sources, Aminul Haque has raised concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of the election process. His legal move follows a broader trend in which candidates from several constituencies have approached the judiciary with similar complaints. Previously, candidates from Dhaka-6 and Dhaka-7, Rajshahi-1 and Rajshahi-4, Pabna-4, and Rangpur-4 and Rangpur-6, among others, have filed petitions contesting election results in over fifteen constituencies.

In response to these petitions, the High Court has instructed the Election Commission to preserve all election materials, including ballot papers and other relevant documentation, to ensure evidence is available for judicial review.

Under Section 49 of the Representation of the People Order, the High Court holds the authority to establish election tribunals to adjudicate allegations of electoral malpractice. Exercising this power, the Chief Justice has constituted a single-member bench specifically to handle such cases. The High Court’s official schedule notes that this bench will process petitions in accordance with the 1972 Representation of the People Order, as amended in 2001, including accepting applications, issuing rules, and managing all associated legal procedures.

The court has indicated that hearings for these petitions will be conducted on multiple dates across April and May. Aminul Haque’s application has been formally accepted for hearing, ensuring it will proceed through the prescribed judicial channels.

This development underscores the ongoing scrutiny of Bangladesh’s electoral processes, reflecting both the judiciary’s oversight role and political parties’ increasing recourse to legal avenues to address electoral disputes. Observers note that such petitions are pivotal in reinforcing public confidence in democratic institutions, particularly in constituencies where election results are closely contested.

Summary of Key Legal Actions

The outcome of these hearings could have significant implications for the conduct of future elections and the overall perception of electoral integrity in Bangladesh.