Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidate in the Sherpur-3 by-election withdrew from the contest on Thursday afternoon while polling was underway, alleging widespread irregularities, intimidation and electoral malpractice.
Candidate Md Masudur Rahman announced his decision at a press conference held at the party office in Sribardi Upazila at around 3pm, citing what he described as an “unfair and compromised” voting environment.
Masudur claimed that his polling agents were forcibly removed from several voting centres shortly after the start of voting, leaving his campaign without representation at key locations.
He further alleged that party leaders and activists faced physical assaults in at least three polling centres after they protested incidents of alleged fraudulent voting.
According to him, Jamaat supporters were also attacked in different areas throughout the constituency, creating an atmosphere of fear and discouraging voter participation.
He said these incidents severely undermined the credibility of the electoral process.
The candidate also accused presiding officers and members of law enforcement agencies of failing to take action despite repeated complaints regarding vote rigging.
“We reported multiple instances of fake voting, but no effective steps were taken,” he said.
Masudur further claimed that he personally identified and detained individuals allegedly involved in casting fraudulent votes at several centres and handed them over to polling officials.
However, he alleged that no visible action was taken against those individuals.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, Masudur said it was no longer possible for him to continue in the race under such circumstances.
He demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities and called for measures to ensure a free and fair electoral process in the future.
The by-election continued despite his withdrawal, amid concerns raised by opposition groups over the overall conduct of the polls.
.jpg "Former minister, Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed dies")
