HC Directs EC to Preserve Dhaka-16 Ballots Amid Rigging Allegations

The High Court has ordered the Election Commission to take custody of ballot papers, result sheets, and other election materials from Dhaka-16 constituency in connection with a case alleging vote-rigging in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election. The court also issued a notice to the winning candidate of the seat.

The order was passed on Sunday (8 March) by a single bench of Justice Md. Zakir Hossain after hearing the matter. Senior lawyer Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kazal appeared for the petitioner, Aminul Haque.

In his petition, BNP candidate and former State Minister Aminul Haque sought a recount of votes, claiming irregularities during polling.

The court fixed 8 June for the next hearing.

This is the latest in a series of election-related petitions filed in the High Court. On 2 March, BNP candidates from Rajshahi-1, Kurigram-2, Rangpur-6, and Rangpur-4 constituencies challenged their results, seeking similar relief. The petitioners are:

• Sohail Hossain Kaykobad (Kurigram-2)
• Md. Saiful Islam (Rangpur-6)
• Mohammad Emdadul Haque Bhorsa (Rangpur-4)
• Major General (Retd.) Md. Sharif Uddin (Rajshahi-1)

Under Section 49 of the Representation of the People Order, petitions alleging electoral irregularities are heard by an election tribunal. Justice Md. Zakir Hossain’s single bench is currently handling these matters.

The Dhaka-16 case adds to growing legal scrutiny of the 13th general election results, with opposition candidates alleging widespread manipulation and demanding judicial intervention.