Thakurgaon-1 By-Election: Jamaat Candidate Alleges Voters Offered Tk 500 to 1,000, Demands Investigation

Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Delawar Hossain has alleged that money is being distributed among voters—Tk 500 to Tk 1,000 each—and that preparations are under way to buy votes in the Thakurgaon-1 parliamentary by-election.

He placed the allegations at a press conference held on Wednesday (28 October) ahead of the by-election. There he also alleged obstruction of election campaigning, attacks on leaders and activists, intimidation of voters and the use of government officials and employees in election activities.

Delawar Hossain alleged that money is being given to voters alongside the distribution of voter slips. He also alleged that voters' information is being collected by luring them with family cards, agricultural cards, old-age allowances and widow allowances on condition of voting for the sheaf of paddy symbol.

He said they have received complaints over the past week that voters' names and national identity card information are being collected on the promise of various government benefit cards. There are also allegations, he said, of assurances that those benefits will be given if voters vote for the sheaf of paddy.

The Jamaat candidate said they have received information that voters are being given Tk 500 to Tk 1,000 each. If the allegations are true, he said, that is a serious violation of the electoral code of conduct, and he demanded an investigation and necessary action.

He further said they have received reports through various channels that preparations to buy votes for money are under way on Wednesday night as well in various unions, especially in areas inhabited by low-income people and followers of the Sanatan religion. He called on the administration to verify the allegations with importance and take action, so that no voter refrains from exercising the right to vote because of money, inducement or intimidation.

At the press conference, Delawar Hossain alleged that since the allocation of symbols on 8 October, a section of supporters of BNP candidate Mirza Faisal Amin have been conducting election activities using muscle power and party power. He claimed that even before symbol allocation, various places in Thakurgaon town were covered with the BNP candidate's banners and festoons.

He also alleged that voters, polling staff and ordinary people were threatened at their homes. He further raised allegations of a secret meeting between several agricultural officials and the BNP candidate, promises to build a bridge during election campaigning, assurances of donations to individuals and institutions, and a government employee taking part in campaigning.

Delawar Hossain alleged that on 13 October, in Ward 5 of Thakurgaon municipality, he was obstructed and humiliated while conducting public contact with voters and shopkeepers after Esha prayers. On 20 October, after an election meeting in Akhanagar Union No. 2 of Ruhia upazila, they were attacked; he claimed one of their activists was seriously injured and decoration chairs were vandalized.

He also alleged that on 21 October, while a stage was being built for their election rally on the big field of the Government Boys' High School, various parts of the field were cordoned off with ruling-party banners and festoons. Those were removed the night before the rally after the returning officer intervened, he said. He also alleged that the family of a woman activist was threatened and that armed persons went to another activist's home and ordered him to refrain from campaigning; in his claim, these incidents have created an atmosphere of fear in the constituency.

Raising allegations of the use of government institutions and resources in election work, he said they have received complaints that after the campaign deadline ended at 8am on 27 October, the chief executive of local NGO ESDO gathered his officers and employees and instructed them to work for the sheaf of paddy. He also alleged that on 24 and 25 October, three medical camps were run using about 24 government doctors of Thakurgaon Sadar Hospital. They have also received complaints, he said, that a meeting and reception with government officials was arranged at 'Manab Kalyan' on 28 October. He claimed video footage, still photographs and other relevant evidence on these allegations have been submitted to the returning officer and the Judicial Inquiry Committee.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the administration's role, the Jamaat candidate said there is a lack of effective steps on their complaints; no visible action was taken on allegations of attacks on leaders and activists and the vandalism of chairs at an election meeting. He called for the same standard to be followed regardless of party or opinion, and for action to be taken on the basis of evidence.

Calling on voters to go to polling centres without fear, Delawar Hossain said protecting voters' right to vote is the responsibility of the Election Commission and the administration; adequate security must be ensured at every centre so voters can vote for their preferred candidate without pressure or intimidation. Asked whether there is any plan to boycott the election, he said they have not come to boycott it; they want to contest and stay in the field to the end, and considering the administration's preparations they still have confidence. But if a situation like the 1994 Magura election arises, necessary steps will be taken considering the immediate circumstances, he said.

Responding to a BNP allegation about a plan to prevent minority voters from coming to polling centres, Delawar Hossain said that allegation is false and baseless. Every citizen, regardless of religion or caste, has the right to vote safely; he called on all voters, including followers of the Sanatan religion, to come to the centres without fear and exercise their right to vote. In his view, this election is not only about choosing a representative for one seat but also a test of restoring public trust in the electoral system; it is the administration's responsibility to set an example through the vote that free, fair and neutral elections are possible even under a party government.

The Thakurgaon-1 seat fell vacant after Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was elected President in the presidential election on 20 August. The constituency has 515,853 voters.