The BNP on Thursday thanked the Election Commission, the armed forces, the interim government, law-enforcement agencies, and everyone involved in the 13th parliamentary polls and the referendum for arranging a good election.
But it expressed concern over the low voter turnout, which it alleged was the result of negative social media campaigns, threatening voters, and attacks in various places.
These events discouraged many from casting their ballots, said BNP Spokesperson Dr Mahdi Amin at a press conference at the party's central election office in the capital's Gulshan.
He expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to all concerned.
Besides, he expressed sympathy for those injured in election-related violence and offered condolences to the families of those who were killed.
Dr Amin said there had been incidents of violence, irregularities, and the use of black money in different places since Wednesday night to make the election controversial.
The security forces played an important role, and the people also showed unity in resisting wrongdoing, he noted.
He alleged the main goal of violating the electoral code of conduct was to counter the visible gap between the BNP and its rival party.
The BNP spokesperson claimed voters were threatened and discouraged from going to polling stations. Turnout might have been higher if such incidents had not occurred, he claimed.
He further alleged that pre-stamped ballots were found and fake votes were cast in many places.
There were also complaints that some people could not cast their votes, while in some cases, ballots were allegedly cast in the names of deceased persons. This reflected the bad practice of one person casting a vote for another, he said.
He further said fake local observers were used to form groups that created obstacles to voter presence.
Dr Amin said the BNP had informed the Election Commission earlier about the problems.
Although the commission took some steps in several cases, stronger and more comprehensive action could have addressed the problems more effectively, he said.
He also alleged that a particular party used social media in a way that created fear among voters about casting their votes.
Dr Amin expressed confidence that the BNP's victory was inevitable and would be overwhelming, while no attempt to weaken it would succeed.
He said the people voted with strong emotions and hopes, and a government elected by the people's mandate in a democratic Bangladesh would honour that trust.
Dr Amin urged democracy-loving citizens to remain alert to ensure proper announcements of the election results.
He also called on BNP leaders and activists involved in election management to ensure correct vote counting and prevent any irregularities.
The BNP's victory, symbolised by the paddy sheaf, would be a victory for democracy and Bangladesh, he added.
tonmoy.wardad@gmail.com
