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BNP candidate Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton has raised allegations of deliberate delays in polling, claiming voters in Dhaka-15 are facing unusually long queues.
On Thursday at 2:25pm, he Monipur Uchcha Vidyalaya and College (Main Monipur Girls’ Branch) and reported slow voting, suggesting presiding officers were contributing to the lag.
“I could not visit all centres yet. Lines are long, voting is being slowed down. I have informed you so you can investigate,” he told journalists.
Milton also flagged alleged fraudulent activity at Kazipara Siddiquia Fazil Madrasah, where he said two to three cases of fake votes had been detected.
Earlier, a verbal clash between BNP and Jamaat activists at the same polling centre prompted Army personnel to intervene.
“I feel voting is being intentionally slowed. After so many years, people must be able to cast their vote. I hope they can exercise that right,” the BNP hopeful said.
He faces Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman in the contest, who previously ran in Dhaka-15 as part of the BNP alliance in the 2018 general election and lost.
Shafiqur also contested in Moulvibazar-2 in the 2001 elections and was defeated.
On his prospects, Milton expressed confidence in a local victory. “The results are not out yet, but I have said before, and I will say again, Dhaka-15 voters will choose their local representative.
“I was born and raised here, not in Sylhet, Chittagong or Cumilla. They will give overwhelming support to the BNP’s symbol, the sheaf of paddy.”
Asked about the integrity of the polls, Milton said: “As a candidate, I hope voting proceeds fairly.”