Dhaka-8 Grips Spotlight Amid Poll Day Tensions

Dhaka-8 remained one of the most closely watched constituencies on voting day, as a bitter rivalry between two high-profile candidates continued to dominate headlines.

The seat features BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas and Jamaat-backed 11-party alliance candidate Nasiruddin Patwary, who is also Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP). Their war of words, which marked the campaign period, spilled over into polling day.

Dhaka-8 includes wards 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 21 of Dhaka South City Corporation. The constituency has 275,471 registered voters, including 152,795 men, 122,675 women and one third-gender voter.

Visits to several polling centres from early morning until mid-afternoon found voting largely peaceful, though turnout was slow at first before picking up later in the day. Long queues formed at some centres by midday. BNP polling agents were visible at most centres, while agents from other candidates were fewer in number. Supporters of different camps gathered outside various polling stations.

Around 11:45am, Patwary visited Mirza Abbas Mohila College centre in Shahjahanpur and alleged that his party’s polling agents had been prevented from entering for nearly three hours. He called for a review of CCTV footage to clarify the situation.

Patwary also accused rival political forces of collusion, alleging coordination among competing parties.

Shortly after, Mirza Abbas arrived at the same centre to cast his vote. Rejecting the allegations, he said he could not be held responsible if other candidates failed to appoint polling agents or ensure their presence at centres. Abbas expressed confidence about his prospects but warned he would not accept any manipulated outcome.

Tensions escalated later at Shahjahanpur Railway Government High School centre, where Patwary was surrounded by a group chanting slogans against him. Army personnel intervened and escorted him from the premises.

Following the incident, Patwary alleged that irregularities were taking place and claimed he and his supporters were attacked. He demanded an investigation and tighter security at what he described as high-risk centres, including Railway Government High School and Mirza Abbas Mohila College.

At a subsequent press briefing, Patwary warned that any attempt at vote rigging in Dhaka-8 would be politically resisted. He urged authorities to ensure a level playing field and protect voters’ rights.

Despite the tensions, polling in the constituency continued under security presence, keeping Dhaka-8 at the centre of national attention throughout the day.