"In this age of advanced technology, press photographs can be easily tampered with," he informed BBC Bangla Service last night.

Chowdhury brushed aside the allegations of anomalies and claimed the by-election was absolutely fair.

On fake voting reported by election observers, he said, "Some observers are also there who have positive views about the election and you [media] should pay equal attention to them."

On army deployment at every poling centre, the prime minister's adviser asserted, "The government acted in line with the High Court directive and we have evidence of its."

"As the returning officer and all the presiding officers have certified the voting as fair, there can't be any doubt about it," he maintained.