Security Concerns and Allegations of Bias Intensify in Dhaka-8 Ahead of Polls

On Sunday morning, Nasiruddin Patwari, the Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and its candidate for the seat, issued a stern warning to Jubo Dal leader Robiul Islam Nayon. Patwari advised Nayon to "mend his ways," asserting that the more Nayon speaks, the more it will damage the vote bank of BNP candidate Mirza Abbas. Patwari urged Abbas to silence Nayon for the sake of his own campaign.

Patwari expressed deep concern for his and his family's safety, claiming that Nayon visited his electoral office on Saturday seeking his home address. He further alleged that a "motorcycle gang" has been circling his residence, creating an atmosphere of intimidation. Calling for immediate intervention from the administration, Patwari demanded guaranteed security for all candidates. In response, Robiul Islam Nayon denied any malicious intent, explaining that as a neighbor, he had merely enquired about the address to offer his services if needed.

Simultaneously, BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 candidate Mirza Abbas voiced his own frustrations regarding the electoral environment. During a meeting in Kakrail on Saturday, Abbas alleged that high-ranking administrative officials are displaying a "special weakness" and bias toward certain candidates. He claimed that a specific "list" has been prepared by a segment of the government to ensure the victory of handpicked individuals regardless of public opinion. Abbas remarked that while the election is framed as participatory, secret favoritism is rampant, with some candidates already behaving as if they have secured victory, which is causing widespread anxiety among general voters. These conflicting allegations and the heightened psychological warfare have turned Dhaka-8 into one of the most volatile battlegrounds in the lead-up to the February 12 polls.