Dhaka, Friday, April 19, 2019

Local Correspondent: Yesterday, Media of Rural Generation organized a press conference at Mermaid Restaurant in Azimpur, Dhaka, on the topic of the post-2018 national election situation.

At the press conference, the President of Media of Rural Generation, Tareq Mahmud, stated:

“Media of Rural Generation has always worked for the protection of human rights, good governance, and the establishment of democracy in the country. Based on reports submitted by 45 observers of Media of Rural Generation from 42 polling centers across 15 districts — including Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur, Munshiganj, Manikganj, Narsingdi, Mymensingh, Netrokona, Sherpur, Tangail, Jamalpur, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, and Panchagarh — the organization published a report observing the pre-election, election day, and post-election situations, where evidence supporting allegations of violence and vote rigging was found.

It was reported that government party affiliates, with the assistance of police, occupied polling centers and stamped ballot boxes at various centers, and instances of fake voting were also identified. Additionally, allegations were made that opposition polling agents were assaulted and forced out of the centers.

This indicates that the election was neither free nor fair. In order to protect democracy in the country, arrangements should be made for re-voting at all polling centers.”

He also expressed doubts regarding the neutrality of the Election Commission.

Among those present at the event were Director Masud Parves, Adviser Kazi Jahidul Islam, Atikur Rahman, along with several observers and well-wishers.