BNP alleges bias in postal ballots

The BNP yesterday filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC), alleging that its name and symbol are not clearly visible on postal ballots sent to expatriate voters for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

The party claimed that its name and symbol had been positioned in the middle of the postal ballot, while those of several other political parties were deliberately placed in the first row, raising concerns of bias.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the Chief Election Commissioner at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said the placement was “intentional” and makes it difficult for voters to identify the party when the ballot is folded.

When the ballot is folded, the BNP’s name and symbol are not easily visible, he said. He said the EC admitted that it had not paid sufficient attention to the issue.

Nazrul said three major political parties had their names and symbols in the first row of the postal ballot. He added that if the ballot had five or six columns instead of four, such placement would not have been possible.

“We have demanded correction, as the current method is incorrect and creates confusion,” he said.

On the issue of candidates with dual citizenship, Nazrul said some nominations were being cancelled across parties and stressed that the law should apply equally to all.

He said two Jamaat-e-Islami candidates and one candidate from another party have already been disqualified. Many of those affected had left the country over the past 15–16 years, acquired foreign citizenship, and have now returned.

“It would be unfair to bar them from contesting elections on this basis,” he said.

He also said the EC informed them that legal action would be taken, including blocking NIDs, if anyone attempts fraud or disrupts the election.

Nazrul further alleged that a political party is collecting voter IDs, NIDs and mobile numbers nationwide for a “clear political agenda.”

Regarding the referendum, he said, “We are not against reforms. We have participated in discussions and submitted notes of dissent where necessary.”

Responding to the BNP’s allegations, EC officials said the postal ballots were arranged alphabetically.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud told The Daily Star last night, “We have heard their complaints. We will sit tomorrow and look into the matter.”