United News of Bangladesh

National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser (South Region) Hasnat Abdullah has said there can be no compromise over the issue concerning Nasiruddin Patwary, who is contesting from DHaka-8 constituency. In a post on his verified Facebook account, he issued the warning, although he did not provide any details. It is thought that he is indicating his fellow NCP leader Nasiruddin won his own election in the Dhaka-8 constituency against BNP stalwart Mirza Abbas.   Hasnat, who also contested the Cumilla-4 seat, was elected to parliament through the election held on Thursday. Hasnat Abdullah, contesting under NCP's Shapla Koli symbol as part of an alliance with Jamaat e Islami, received 160,081 votes. His closest rival, Jasim Uddin, contesting with the Truck symbol, received 49,845 votes, in unofficial tallies from the Election Commission.

Jamaat-backed alliance candidate and Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Nasiruddin Patwary on Thursday expressed satisfaction over the overall voting atmosphere in Dhaka-8 constituency, though he alleged that his supporters were attacked the previous night. Talking to reporters after visiting the Arambagh High School and College polling centre in the morning, Nasiruddin said the situation remained peaceful. “So far, the voting environment is good. No untoward incident has occurred since morning,” he said. Patwary, however, alleged that his supporters came under attack on Wednesday night. Expressing optimism about his electoral prospects, Nasiruddin said, “My victory in this constituency would mean Osman Hadi’s victory. People have told me they are casting their votes for Hadi through me.” Raising allegations against Jatiya Party candidates, he claimed, “The ‘Plough’ and the ‘Boat’ have become indistinguishable. If they gain advantage in this election, Indian dominance will rise again in Bangladesh.” Tensions were reported at several polling centres in the constituency since morning, particularly among BNP activists. A brief commotion broke out when Nasiruddin entered the Arambagh centre, triggering protests from BNP supporters. The situation was later brought under control with the intervention of the army. Major Araf, who is in charge of security in the Arambagh-Motijheel area of Dhaka-8, said no major untoward incident had occurred in the constituency since morning. “Whenever tension arises anywhere, army patrol teams are immediately deployed to bring the situation under control,” he said. In Dhaka-8, Nasiruddin Patwary is contesting against BNP heavyweight candidate Mirza Abbas. Meghna Alam of Gono Odhikar Parishad is also in the race.  

BNP-nominated candidate for Dhaka-8 and party Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas on Saturday alleged that a section of the government and senior levels of the administration are showing favouritism towards certain candidates ahead of the parliamentary election. “I have heard that a group within the government has prepared a list of a few people who must be made to win. Weakness towards some individuals has also been seen at the higher levels of the administration,” he said while talking to reporters after an election views-exchange meeting with flat owners at Haq Castle in Kakrail. He said some candidates are already declaring victory, while certain government figures are saying those candidates should be in parliament. “An election is said to be participatory, yet bias is visible. Whether they receive votes or not, they will be sent to parliament—this is not good,” the BNP leader observed. Earlier in the day, Abbas joined another meeting with polling agents at Sadeque Hossain Khoka Community Centre. Mirza Abbas pledges honest, clean election campaign He also had a views-exchange meeting with residents of 180 flats at Eastern Point in Shantinagar later in the evening. Addressing polling agents, the former minister said BNP leaders and activists spent years in jail and on the streets in political movements, and no single group can claim exclusive credit for the struggle of 2024. He criticised some people for behaving as if they had “liberated the country for a second time.” The BNP leader also said during the 1971 Liberation War, freedom fighters did not demand power or ministerial posts, but some who were then students are now making various political demands and even had representation within the government in recent times. He warned that the country can face an even more difficult period ahead and alleged that “established global forces” may try to prevent Bangladesh from remaining peaceful, regardless of which government comes to power. Abbas also accused Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies of influencing power from behind the scenes and attempting to shape the upcoming election in their favour. He said BNP has remained out of power for nearly 17–18 years, yet continues to be targeted politically, adding that some people who consider power their “inherited property” are trying to ensure some selected individuals assume office.

BNP Standing Committee member and party-nominated candidate for the Dhaka-8 seat Mirza Abbas on Monday expressed suspicions about election engineering as some candidates are claiming certain victory despite having no public connection or electoral experience. “I have been contesting elections in this area since 1977. Before any election, I have never been able to say with certainty that I will win,” he said. Talking to journalists after offering Zohr prayers at the Central Police Hospital Mosque in Rajarbagh, the BNP leader said that even as an experienced politician, he still cannot say he is a sure winner in the election. “But those who have never contested an election, have no public connection, are not known in the area and have never been involved in local development work are now claiming they will definitely win. How can they be so confident?” he said. Abbas, a former minister, expressed doubt over such confident claims of victory, saying these raise concerns about possible election manipulation. “Those who are not supposed to win are saying they have already won. This makes me doubtful. I fear they may be planning vote rigging or election engineering.” The BNP leader urged his party colleagues and supporters to remain alert and guard polling stations on February 12 so that no one can engage in election engineering. Zubaida inaugurates free heart camp at Korail slum Responding to questions about recent anti-women remarks made by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, Abbas said such comments were not new. “He has made derogatory remarks before as well. He is an experienced and prudent person. Basically, he was with JSD. He and two other senior leaders came to Jamaat from other parties.” After joining Jamaat, he said they behave in a way as if they must say such things so that people can understand they belong to Jamaat. “That is why they find the courage to make offensive remarks about women.” Tarique urges women to respond to Jamaat Ameer’s derogatory remarks through ballot Regarding the Jamaat Ameer’s claim that his social media account had been hacked, Abbas said he was surprised by how quickly the account was recovered. “I did not know that a hacked account could be restored so quickly.” Later in the afternoon, Mirza Abbas carried out door-to-door campaigning, seeking votes for the BNP’s electoral symbol Sheaf of Paddy, in Shahjahanpur Income Tax Colony and nearby market areas. He also held meetings and continued campaigning in the Shahjahanpur Jahaj Building Road area in the evening.

BNP senior leader and Dhaka-8 constituency candidate Mirza Abbas on Sunday vowed to make his area free from drugs, extortion and crime if elected through the national election billed for February 12. “For the past 17 years, my area has been destroyed by drugs, terrorism and extortion. I promise to free my constituency from these evils,” he said. Abbas, also a BNP Standing Committee member, made the pledge while campaigning in the Shahjahanpur area. He also criticised statements made by leaders of other parties and some government quarters, saying they suggest that something suspicious is going on. “Some of the things being said make it seem that something is hidden behind the scenes,” the BNP leader said, using the phrase ‘Dal mein kuch kala hai’ (something is wrong). Responding to a question about a Jamaat candidate’s claim that BNP will not be allowed to win any seat in Dhaka, he said such a statement was undemocratic. “One candidate said they will not give us a single seat in Dhaka. My question is—who are they to give seats? Seats belong to Allah and the people. Speaking above the people is arbitrary and undemocratic,” Abbas said. The BNP leader alleged that attempts were being made to damage his reputation through false information and propaganda. “They are using every possible weapon to attack me. Fake documents are being spread, false content is being created using AI, and social media is being flooded by organised online groups. People who rely on lies can never be good for the nation,” he observed. Abbas accused his opponents of making undemocratic and arbitrary statements and claimed that powerful forces were backing them. “It seems they are trying to manipulate the election process through engineering, but the people will resist this.” Abbas said that just as people elected him in 1991, 1996 and 2001 out of love and trust, they would once again judge his work and the activities of his party and vote for him in the upcoming election. Commenting on recent remarks by a Jamaat-e-Islami leader regarding family cards and employment, he said many questions have been raised about it. “They are saying they will not give unemployment allowances but will create jobs. The people will judge this.” The BNP leader recalled that people defeated the Pakistani army with bare feet and wearing lungis in 1971. “We resisted the Awami League, we resisted Ershad, and this time too all conspiracies will be defeated, Insha’Allah.” Replying to a question, Abbas said he is optimistic about winning the election. “I am working hard. The rest I leave to Allah,” he added. Abbas conducted campaigns in Malibagh, Mominbagh, Shahjahanpur and Shahbagh areas, and sought votes for the BNP’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol. He also attended a prize-giving ceremony after a friendly football match at Shahjahanpur Railway Colony Maitri Sangha ground.