BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has instructed party leaders and activists not to organise any victory processions, rallies or public gatherings anywhere in the country over the election results.
Stating that the BNP stands on the verge of a historic victory in the national election, he said special prayers should be offered across the country after Juma prayers today to express gratitude to Almighty Allah.
The remarks were conveyed by BNP Chairman’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibli around 2:30am.
Yesterday, after the voting ended, Tarique spent more than nine hours at his Gulshan office, enquiring about poll results from various constituencies and speaking with party leaders across the country.
During this time, he instructed grassroots leaders and activists not to respond to any provocation, expressing concern that a rival political party might resort to violence. He also directed party workers to remain calm and refrain from engaging in any activity that could harm the party’s position.
Party insiders said the BNP was particularly concerned about a delay in the publication of results in four seats, where rivals might try to create a chaotic situation, and that the party would remain watchful in these areas.
In a separate press release, the BNP extended sincere greetings and congratulations to the people of the country, including residents of Dhaka, following the election of a large number of its candidates in the 13th National Parliamentary Election.
To seek forgiveness for the departed soul of late prime minister Khaleda Zia and to convey good wishes to the people, the BNP said it would organise prayers at mosques across Dhaka and the rest of the country after Juma prayers.
Earlier, Tarique said his party would accept the election results if the polls are held in a free, fair, neutral and controversy-free manner.
“If the election is free, if it is fair, if it is without controversy, then why would we not accept it? Of course we will accept it. All parties will accept it,” he told journalists at his Gulshan office around 1:15pm yesterday, adding that the election must also be peaceful.
A large number of party leaders and activists thronged the street outside the office, celebrating the BNP’s imminent election victory.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, his wife, Zubaida Rahman, and their daughter, Zaima Rahman, pose for a family photo after casting ballots; Photo: BNP MEDIA CELL, STAR
Unofficial results showed Tarique was on course to win both Dhaka-17 and Bogura-6 with the sheaf of paddy symbol. The polling centres he visited included Adamjee Cantonment School and College, and centres in Mohakhali, Panthapath, Bhashantek, Manik Mia Avenue, Dhanmondi 27 and Suhrawardy Udyan areas.
Asked about his party’s priorities if it wins, Tarique said improving the law and order situation would be the top priority so that people across the country feel safe. He also expressed hope for a stable and beautiful future with everyone together.
Tarique cast his vote at Gulshan Model High School and College, centre number 65 in the capital, around 9:40am, along with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman, who voted for the first time.
Speaking to reporters after voting, he said people in Bangladesh had been waiting for such a day for more than a decade and expressed hope that voters would be able to exercise their franchise freely to begin a new democratic journey for the country.
Referring to reports of irregularities and “unwanted incidents”, Tarique said attempts had been made to mislead voters, which he said were unacceptable and could create a negative perception about those involved. However, he noted that law enforcement agencies had taken strict steps to control the situation following incidents reported from different parts of the country on Wednesday night, which he found encouraging.
He stressed that higher voter turnout could help resist any conspiracy. “If people come out and use their rights, if more voters take part, then all kinds of conspiracies can be stopped,” he said, urging voters as well as party leaders and activists to remain at polling centres until the end of voting.
“From what I have seen in Dhaka city, it seems that people are going to cast their votes with great enthusiasm,” he said after visiting several polling centres in the capital, adding that public participation could prevent irregularities. He also said he was “firmly optimistic” about both voter turnout and his party’s victory.
Meanwhile, after voting ended, BNP Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin said at a press briefing at the party’s Gulshan election office that voter turnout was lower due to “misleading activities” by a political rival.
“There is a clear and huge difference between BNP and the rival political party. To resist that difference was the main purpose behind the violation of the code of conduct since last night,” he said.
“That is why a hateful attempt was made to threaten voters and discourage them from coming to the polling centres. If these unfortunate incidents had not happened, voter turnout might have been higher,” he added.
