Opposition Alleges Widespread Irregularities in February 12 Polls
The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11 Party Alliance, a significant opposition force in Bangladesh, has officially lodged complaints with the Election Commission (EC), challenging the results of the general election held on February 12, 2026. The coalition submitted grievances for 32 constituencies, alleging various irregularities during the polling process. This move comes after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a sweeping victory in the country's first election since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
Details of the Complaints and Allegations
Senior Jamaat official Hamidur Rahman Azad stated that while election day began smoothly, it was subsequently 'marred' by a range of illicit activities. The allegations include 'fake votes, the circulation of black money (bribes), threats, assaults, and attacks.' Further complaints submitted to the EC by the 11 Party Alliance leaders detailed alleged tampering with ballot seals and result sheets, instances where polling agents were reportedly forced out of centers, and 'abnormal voting' patterns in specific locations.
Election Commission's Response and Legal Recourse
The Election Commission has acknowledged receiving over 50 written complaints concerning irregularities across at least 35 constituencies within three days of the parliamentary election results being announced. However, the EC has clarified that its authority to act on these complaints diminishes once the official gazette of results is published. Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Government indicated that aggrieved candidates are required to file petitions with an election tribunal, and if still dissatisfied, they may pursue remedies in higher courts. Mohammad Monir Hossain, Deputy Secretary of the EC's Election Management Division, confirmed that an election tribunal was established in advance to address such disputes.
Election Context and Outcome
The February 12, 2026 general election saw the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Tarique Rahman, emerge as the dominant force, securing 212 seats and a two-thirds majority in the 300-seat parliament. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11 Party Alliance, which includes the National Citizen Party (NCP), won a total of 77 seats, with Jamaat-e-Islami itself securing 68 seats. This outcome positions the 11 Party Alliance as the main opposition for the first time in Bangladesh's history. The election, which had a voter turnout of 59 percent across 299 constituencies, was closely watched as a critical test for the country's democracy following the 2024 student-led uprising that led to the departure of Sheikh Hasina.
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