Tensions escalated in Pabna on Friday as hundreds of BNP leaders and activists surrounded the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Returning Officer’s office, demanding a recount of votes for the Pabna-3 and Pabna-4 constituencies.
The protesters gathered at approximately 3:00 PM, chanting slogans rejecting the unofficial results and alleging manipulation during the counting process.
In response to the demonstration, authorities heightened security around the DC office. The main gates were locked, and a joint force of Police, BGB, and Army personnel was deployed to maintain order.
At 5:00 PM, the DC entered the office under military escort to meet with a BNP delegation. The meeting including Krishibid Hasan Jafir Tuhin (Defeated candidate, Pabna-3), Habibur Rahman Habib (Defeated candidate, Pabna-4) and Senior district BNP leaders.
After an hour-long closed-door session, the leaders briefed their supporters and vacated the premises.
Executive Magistrate Abdul Alim, speaking on behalf of the DC, confirmed that the candidates' formal applications for a recount have been received.
"The petitions have been forwarded to the Chief Election Commissioner in Dhaka," Alim stated. "The Commission will review the legal grounds and issue a final decision regarding the recount."
Unofficial results show both seats were narrowly won by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami candidates: Ali Asgar in Pabna-3 (won by 3,271 votes) and Abu Taleb Mandal in Pabna-4 (won by 3,801 votes).
