Jatiya Party’s vote share was systematically suppressed, Shameem Patwary alleges

Jatiya Party Secretary General Shameem Haider Patwary has alleged that the party was premeditatedly defeated in the parliamentary elections.

Speaking at a media briefing held on Sunday at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity auditorium, he claimed the party’s vote share was systematically suppressed as part of a two-fold strategy.

 “Our vote count was reduced by design. It was part of two specific plans: first, to push us into third place; and second, to ensure we fail to secure a single seat under any future proportional representation system or in an upper house of parliament.”

Accusing the interim government of discrimination, Patwary claimed the administration rigged the polls under specific directives.

 “In our strongest constituencies, the Jatiya Party was relegated to third place, and our candidates lost their security deposits, which is astonishing for the party,” he said.

 “Despite this, we congratulate Tarique Rahman and the new government.

 “We expect the incoming administration to shun the politics of vendetta and foster an inclusive political environment,” he added.

Alleging widespread irregularities in the referendum, he said: “The most tainted process is the referendum.

 “There were 7.3 million invalid votes in the referendum. How can a single vote result in 7.3 million cancellations?”