Khagrachhari Candidate Announces Election Boycott

In a significant prelude to the 13th national parliamentary election, Bangladesh Muslim League candidate Md. Mostafa has declared a boycott of the Khagrachhari constituency polls. The announcement came late on Wednesday night, 11 February, at approximately 9:30 pm, citing alleged administrative bias, interference, and inadequate security.

Mostafa stated that he and his family have faced persistent threats to their safety since his candidacy was announced. On 8 February, he formally requested armed security protection from the District Commissioner and the Returning Officer, a request that, according to him, was not fulfilled. He further alleged that, despite repeated violations of electoral conduct following the schedule announcement, the Election Commission took no remedial action.

He also submitted written complaints to the electoral inquiry and adjudication committees, but no tangible steps were taken. Mostafa identified 189 polling stations within the constituency as high-risk, warning that there was a potential for undue influence and manipulation of results. In light of these concerns, he has urged party workers and supporters of the Hurricane symbol to refrain from visiting polling centres.

Khagrachhari will witness competition among 11 candidates. Key election details and Mostafa’s grievances are summarised below:

Mostafa emphasised: “If voters attend the polling stations, their safety could be compromised, and the transparency of election results may be questioned.” He also appealed to rival political candidates to maintain peaceful conduct.

In response, the Khagrachhari District Administration and local security forces have reportedly mobilised to ensure election-day security. However, the boycott announcement has introduced an element of tension and uncertainty into the local electoral environment.

Observers note that the Election Commission and administrative authorities will need to exercise heightened vigilance to guarantee both a fair and secure voting process in the constituency. The coming days are expected to test the mechanisms designed to uphold electoral integrity and public confidence in Khagrachhari.