Bangladesh's landmark national election witnessed a dramatic twist on Thursday as Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman was defeated at his own polling centre in Mirpur, Dhaka, according to a Times of Bangladesh report.
Rahman, who cast his vote at the Monipur School and College (Boys' Branch) polling centre, secured 560 votes under the party's "Dari Palla" (weighing scale) symbol, according to the report. BNP-nominated candidate Shafiqul Islam Khan edged past him with 565 votes. Of the 1,174 ballots cast at the centre, 27 were cancelled.
The closely fought result comes as Bangladesh returned to the polls in what is being described as a historic national election. While early trends suggest BNP's Tarique Rahman remains the frontrunner in the broader contest, the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance - which includes the National Citizen Party (NCP) formed by leaders of the 2024 student uprising - was seen as a potential challenger.
Rahman's loss at his own booth is being viewed as an early setback for the Jamaat-led coalition. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, he had expressed confidence about forming a government "for all citizens."
He urged the media to act responsibly, said minor irregularities could be overlooked but serious violations would not be tolerated, and pledged to accept the final results. He also called for a peaceful, fair and credible vote.
However, polling day was marred by controversy after pamphlets allegedly circulated by Jamaat supporters promised voters 15,000 Bangladeshi taka in exchange for proof of voting for the party's symbol. The leaflet, accessed by NDTV, reportedly instructed voters to carry camera phones into booths and photograph stamped ballots as evidence.
The document further claimed that payments would be transferred via bKash after results were declared and that party workers had collected voter ID details and linked mobile numbers. It also allegedly invoked religious messaging, promising spiritual rewards if entire families voted for the party.
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