Dhaka, Feb. 9 -- As campaigning intensifies ahead of the national election and referendum scheduled for Feb 12, political circles are abuzz with concerns over possible "election engineering".

In Mohakhali Amtali, a tea vendor asked as an auto-rickshaw blared a campaign song: "Will there even be an election?"

Many share the same sentiment, reflecting public uncertainty.

Leaders from multiple parties, including Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Party, and the Revolutionary Workers Party of Bangladesh, have expressed fears of vote rigging or undue influence.

BNP formally raised its concerns on Feb 7.

Its election spokesperson Mahdi Amin, speaking in Lakshmipur, alleged manipulation of ballot sheets and warned of atte...