No scope to complain over ballot paper after entering booth: Dr Nasrin Sultana

An allegation of receiving a ballot paper already marked with votes was raised at the TSC polling centre during the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election on Tuesday.

The complaint came from Rupaiya Shrestha Tonchonga, a candidate from Umama Fatema’s panel.

According to the complaint, one of her known supporters entered a booth to cast a vote but found that the ballot had already been marked in favour of candidates Sadiq Kayem and S M Forhad.

In response, Dr. Nasrin Sultana, the returning officer of the TSC centre and a member of the DUCSU Election Commission, said such claims cannot be accepted once a ballot paper has been taken into the booth.

“After receiving the allegation, we immediately checked all the ballot papers. We did not find any irregularities. If someone claims this while holding the ballot paper in hand before entering the booth, it can be investigated. But after going inside and staying for some time, then coming out and making such a complaint, there is no scope to accept it. Still, we provided her with a fresh ballot paper,” Dr Nasrin said.

She further noted that by that time, around 60 per cent of votes had already been cast. “This may have been an attempt to cast doubt on the election process, or perhaps the voter simply made a mistake,” she added.

Rumana Parvin Eni, the returning officer of Rokeya Hall, confirmed she had handed the ballot to the voter in question. “She took the ballot from me and went inside the booth. After a while, she returned with the complaint. Immediately, we cross-checked all the ballot papers and found no discrepancy. Later, we gave her a new ballot and assured her of an inquiry,” she explained.

The officer also suggested the possibility of confusion or deliberate misrepresentation. “It could be her mistake, or perhaps someone is trying to create an issue and disrupt the voting environment. I urge students not to be misled,” she said.

Meanwhile, the incident sparked anger from BNP-backed VP candidate Abidul Islam Khan, who entered the polling centre and demanded accountability. The returning officers later assured candidates that CCTV footage would be reviewed as part of the investigation.

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