Shakhawat alleges subtle rigging

BNP's mayoral candidate Shakhawat Hossain last night brought allegations of “subtle rigging” in the NCC polls and manipulation in election results.

“Subtle rigging took place in the elections. That is why the symbol dhaner shish [sheaf of paddy] was defeated…. The election results have been changed through manipulation,” Shakhawat told reporters at his media cell in the city around 10:15pm.

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“I will come up with details after getting the official results.”

The BNP candidate said, “We have information that subtle rigging took place in several areas. For example, 1,000 votes were cast at a polling station. But results show the Awami League got 800 votes and the BNP 500.”

He, however, did not mention the name of the polling station.

“This election has once again proved that the Election Commission is acting as per the directives of the government.”  

After casting his vote in the morning, Shakhawat had told reporters that he would respect and accept the results if the election is free and fair. 

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir did not pick up his mobile phone when The Daily Star called him last night to know his reaction over the results.

Rizvi Ahmed, the party's senior joint secretary general, refused to give his immediate reaction. 

Earlier in the day, during a briefing at the party's Nayapaltan office, Rizvi said people were casting their votes in a peaceful atmosphere. 

Awami League's Selina Hayat Ivy defeated Shakhawat by 79,567 votes, according to the returning officer.