Dhaka-8 remains in spotlight also on voting day amid war of words between Abbas and Patwary
Patwary warned that if "vote robbery" takes place in Dhaka-8, the "rule" of BNP leader Mirza Abbas would be "shattered."
Dhaka-8 constituency remained at the centre of attention on polling day (12 February), continuing a heated rivalry that had dominated the campaign period of the national election.
The contest pits BNP-nominated candidate and party's Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas against Jamaat-led 11-party alliance-nominated candidate and National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary.
Since the start of campaigning, both candidates have traded accusations and sharp rhetoric, keeping the constituency at the centre of political discussion. The verbal sparring continued even on voting day.
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Dhaka-8 comprises wards 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 21 of Dhaka South City Corporation. The constituency has a total of 2,75,471 voters, including 1,52,795 men, 1,22,675 women and one voter identifying as third gender.
Given the high-profile candidates and intense campaign, the constituency drew special attention from the media and observers.
From 6:30am to 2pm, visits to several polling centres across Dhaka-8 found voting to be largely peaceful and orderly. Voter turnout was low in the early morning but gradually increased as the day progressed, with long queues forming at some centres by midday.
Polling agents of the BNP were present at all centres, while agents of other candidates were comparatively fewer. Supporters of various candidates were seen actively gathered outside polling stations.
Apart from complaints about long waiting times, voters reported no major irregularities. However, tensions between the candidates persisted.
Around 11:45am, Patwary visited the Mirza Abbas Mohila College polling centre in Shahjahanpur, where he alleged that polling agents of his party's electoral symbol, the 'Shapla Koli', were barred from entering the centre for nearly three hours.
He demanded that CCTV footage be reviewed to determine what occurred during that period.
Patwari also alleged collusion among rival political forces. "We are hearing that the 'Plough' [Jatiyo Party] and the 'Sheaf of Paddy ' [BNP] have merged into one. Behind the Plough stands the Awami League, and behind the AL stands India. Do you understand the game being played? Everywhere we go, we find that Plough, Sheaf of Paddy, and the AL have become indistinguishable from one another."
Shortly afterwards, Mirza Abbas arrived at the same centre to cast his vote. Responding to Patwari's allegations, Abbas said, "I cannot interfere with their opinions of others. They don't even have polling agents; they haven't been able to provide agents for many centres yet. If they cannot enter the polling centres, that is not my fault."
While expressing optimism about his chances of winning, Abbas warned that he would not accept the results if the election was manipulated.
Later, during Patwary's visit to the Shahjahanpur Railway Govt High School polling centre, a group of people surrounded him and chanted "Bhua Bhua" (phoney) slogans. The situation escalated, prompting the army to intervene and escort him safely out of the centre.
Following the incident, Patwary posted on Facebook alleging that vote rigging was taking place at the Railway High School polling centre with the support of Mirza Abbas's supporters.
He claimed that BNP activists attacked him and his supporters in the presence of law enforcement. Patwary condemned the incident and demanded an immediate investigation and enhanced security for voters.
At a press conference later, Patwary warned that if "vote robbery" takes place in Dhaka-8, the "rule" of BNP leader Mirza Abbas would be "shattered."
Regarding the attack, the NCP leader said the incident occurred when he and other party leaders were leaving the centre after an inspection. "BNP activists assaulted us and I was struck on the head in the presence of army personnel. We lodged complaints with the army, which then escorted us to safety."
Patwary identified two centres as "high-risk"- Railway Govt High School and Mirza Abbas Mohila College.
Addressing Mirza Abbas directly, Patwary said, "If Abbas feared defeat, he should withdraw from the race rather than attempt to sabotage the election."
He further warned that although his supporters had so far refrained from retaliatory actions, they would not remain passive if attacked again.
"Now is the time for resistance. If vote robbery occurs in Dhaka-8, I swear that the rule Mirza Abbas has established will be broken apart. Whether we win or not, we will politically confront BNP," Patwari said.
