Allegations of Massive Irregularities in Bangladesh Parliamentary Election, 244% Voting Reported in Some Constituencies
Dhaka, Bangladesh | 13 February 2026 | The Global Journal
According to a report by The Business Standard, the results of the 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum on the “July Charter” have sparked intense controversy across the country. The figures released by the Election Commission (EC) have raised allegations of irregularities and statistical discrepancies in multiple constituencies, with one constituency reporting an astonishing 244% voter turnout, generating a storm of questions in the political arena.
According to the EC, there were 127,702,334 registered voters in total. Voter turnout for the referendum was 60.26%. The ‘Yes’ vote received 48,074,429 votes, while the ‘No’ vote received 22,565,627 votes. A total of 7,042,285 votes were invalid or void. In percentage terms, approximately 62.47% voted ‘Yes’ and 29.32% voted ‘No’.
244% Voting in Rajshahi-4
Analysis of the EC’s data shows that in Rajshahi-4, although there were 319,909 registered voters, the number of votes cast was reported as 781,523—equivalent to 244.295%. In this constituency, 612,229 votes were cast for ‘No’ and 145,382 for ‘Yes’.
Discrepancies in Sirajganj-1 and Netrokona Constituencies
In Sirajganj-1, the voter turnout for the referendum was shown as only 7.899%, whereas on the same day, the parliamentary election recorded a turnout of 60.83%.
In Netrokona-3, 4, and 5, the number of ‘Yes’ votes exceeded the total number of registered voters. For example, Netrokona-3 had 420,686 registered voters, yet ‘Yes’ votes were reported as 502,438. Major discrepancies are evident between the total votes cast and the reported turnout percentages.
‘No’ Wins in 11 Constituencies
Out of 299 constituencies, ‘No’ prevailed in 11. All three hill districts—Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban—as well as all three constituencies in Gopalganj reported higher ‘No’ votes. Additionally, Jhenaidah-1, Sunamganj-2, Chattogram-8, Chattogram-12, and Rajshahi-4 also saw ‘No’ victories.
Joint Opposition Allegations on 13 February
Following the publication of the results, leaders of an 11-party coalition, including Jamaat-e-Islami, held a press conference in Dhaka on 13 February, alleging vote rigging and result manipulation. They claimed that the published results did not reflect the actual votes cast.
The coordinator of the National Coordination Platform (NCP) echoed these allegations, warning that protests on the streets may follow if necessary.
Election Commission Under Scrutiny
Such abnormal voter turnout and statistical discrepancies have raised serious questions about the transparency of the election process. Analysts emphasize that an impartial investigation and a detailed explanation from the Election Commission are urgently needed.
No official response from the Election Commission has been received so far.
Columnist: Fazle Rabbi Robna
