Nasiruddin Patwary happy over election atmosphere in Dhaka-8

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 had been 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 an 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.