41 election petitions challenge Feb 12 national polls

Allegations of irregularities in the February 12 national election have reached the High Court, with 41 election petitions filed seeking cancellation of results in multiple constituencies.

Of the 41 petitions filed within the statutory deadline, 25 were filed by BNP candidates, 13 by Jamaat-e-Islami candidates, two by candidates from Jamaat-aligned parties, and one by an independent candidate, according to court sources.

Petitioners alleged procedural violations, vote manipulation and lack of transparency in the electoral process across several constituencies.

Following preliminary hearings, the High Court has accepted the petitions and ordered the preservation of key election materials, including ballot papers, result sheets and CCTV footage.

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The bench issued the orders between February 26 and March 16, and has fixed dates in April, May and June for detailed hearings.

Deputy Attorney General (DIG) Md Shafiqur Rahman said the court will examine witnesses, evidence and relevant documents before delivering verdicts, indicating that disposal of the cases may take considerable time.

“If allegations of gross irregularities are proven, the court may order re-elections or declare the runner-up candidates elected in the constituencies concerned,” he said, adding that aggrieved parties will have the option to appeal to the Appellate Division.

The DIG could not specify a timeline for final disposal of the petitions.

Under Section 49 of the Representation of the People Order, Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury constituted a High Court bench led by Justice Md Zakir Hossain to adjudicate the disputes.