BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Rizvi Ahmed came up with the allegation at a press conference at its Nayapaltan Central office, hours before the commencement of the 11th national elections.
“Since long we have expressed anxiety that Awami League men with the help of the local administration would seal ballot papers on the night before the voting day. Our fears have turned into reality. We have been informed that 30 to 40 percent of the ballots would be placed in ballot boxes during the night,” said the senior BNP leader.
Sensing certain defeat, the Awami League men are casting ballots across the country since evening, he said.
“Therefore, I would like to call upon all of the BNP supporters, leaders and activists to gather in front of each polling centre to protect the casting of votes,” he further said.
Do not be afraid of their cowardly work, he said adding “Keep in mind that if you fear you will lose. Wake up and unite villagers to protect vote rigging. We are sure of our victory.”
If necessary, stay around the polling station with ‘hurricane lamps’ and ‘torchlights’ to prevent vote rigging, he urged all saying, “We will win Inshallah.”
The BNP leader also alleged that several Oikyafront candidates including Dhaka-8 candidate Mirza Abbas have been confined by law enforcers. “If anybody coming out from his residence, they are arresting them,” he said.