NCP alleges 'election engineering,' warns of mass uprising for EC overhaul

The National People's Party (NCP) has voiced strong accusations of widespread manipulation during the recent 13th national election, with Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary leading the charge. Speaking at an event organized by the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED), Patwary did not mince words, alleging "election engineering" and warning that a future mass uprising would necessitate a complete restructuring of the Election Commission (EC).

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Perhaps after this speech I won’t be allowed into this office again. But if there is another mass uprising, the EC will be the first institution I touch -- it will be changed from top to bottom.

Patwary specifically pointed fingers at the leadership of the EC during the election, stating they would face trial in the future. He claimed that agencies like DGFI and NSI, in collusion with deputy commissioners' offices, manipulated results on election day. The NCP leader also highlighted specific instances, alleging that election engineering cost a Jamaat leader his seat in Cox's Bazar and that an NCP candidate in Narayanganj-4 only regained his constituency after "manipulation."

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Many spoke positively here, but this was totally an engineered election.

Beyond the alleged electoral fraud, Patwary criticized the commission for allowing loan defaulters to participate in the polls and for its failure to prevent clashes. He recounted an incident where he had to de-escalate a potentially bloody confrontation by withdrawing a call for mobilization, emphasizing the volatile situation. The NCP's stance underscores a deep dissatisfaction with the electoral process and a demand for accountability and reform within the Election Commission.

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If I had called, 50,000 to 100,000 would have come. There would have been bloody clashes. That is why I withdrew.