Massive rigging alleged

byelection against the ruling four-party alliance.

Speaking at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium yesterday, he demanded recounting of the ballot papers in presence of all the candidates.

Hannan claimed if recounted he would win the election although the ruling party candidate Mainul Islam Shanta was declared winner by a margin of 12,000 votes.

He alleged that his polling agents were driven out from all the centres.

Apart from this, his supporters were intimidated and the administration detained the leaders and activists of the Citizen's Committee, he claimed.

Hannan said although the presence of voters was thin, 70 to 80 percent votes were shown cast in three centres of the union from where the ruling party candidate hails, but only 40 to 50 percent votes were shown cast in other centres.

He said complaint was lodged with the returning officer immediately but he did not accept it.

A written complaint will be filed with the Election Commission Office in this connection tomorrow, he added.