Dhaka-15 Election Row: BNP and Jamaat Trade Accusations Ahead of Upcoming Polls
As the nation gears up for the 13th Parliamentary elections, political tensions are escalating in Dhaka-15, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami exchanging sharp accusations over alleged election misconduct. The disputes surfaced on Wednesday, 21 January, following the allocation of election symbols for Dhaka-13 and Dhaka-15 at the Election Training Institute (ETI) in Agargaon, Dhaka.
Speaking to journalists, BNP candidate Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton claimed that his party had adhered strictly to the election code of conduct, whereas a “certain party” had flagrantly violated the rules. “We arrived with five representatives, yet they brought more than ten people,” Milton asserted, suggesting a deliberate attempt to intimidate BNP members.
He further alleged that the opposing party had sent individuals to the homes of female party workers, demanding sensitive personal information, including National ID numbers and mobile banking (bKash) details. “Our female workers were simply requesting this information as part of formal verification, but the response was chaos. Later, their leaders arrived with 20–25 men and harassed our workers,” Milton added.
The BNP candidate also reported incidents of physical assault, claiming that two party members were beaten by Jamaat workers in Pirerbagh and Sheorapara. He said he had contacted the police and the army to maintain order and appealed to the Election Commission (EC) to ensure a smooth voting process.
Responding to the allegations, Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer, Assistant Secretary-General of Jamaat, dismissed BNP’s claims as “completely false” and accused BNP of attempting to undermine the unity of his 10-party alliance. “After the schedule was announced, we removed all campaign materials. Certain forces are trying to tarnish our reputation without any cause. We have drawn the EC’s attention to the apparent bias in law enforcement,” Zubayer said.
He stressed the importance of a peaceful election, stating, “We hope that all candidates can participate freely, and the outcome will reflect the people’s mandate. Unlike the previous elections, where law and order broke down due to intimidation, this time the EC must ensure a level playing field.”
Summary of Allegations and Counter-Allegations
| Issue | BNP Allegations | Jamaat Counter-Allegations |
|---|---|---|
| Code of Conduct Violation | Certain party ignored rules, brought excessive personnel | Law enforcement biased due to BNP misinformation |
| Activities Targeting Women | Party workers demanded NID & bKash info; workers harassed | BNP allegedly engaged in intimidation of female voters |
| Location | Pirerbagh, Sheorapara | Campaign materials removed after schedule announcement |
| Police & Army Involvement | Contacted to maintain order | EC notified regarding law enforcement bias |
| Election Expectations | Fair and unobstructed voting | Terror-free election with level playing field |
The heated exchange underscores the heightened political friction as Dhaka-15 prepares for a highly contested parliamentary election. Both parties have called for vigilance, transparency, and intervention by the Election Commission to prevent any disruption to the democratic process.