Monday, 6th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 12th February 2026, 5:59 AM
Afroza Abbas, President of the Bangladesh Nationalist Women’s Party and spouse of BNP candidate Mirza Abbas, expressed strong optimism regarding the Dhaka-8 parliamentary contest. She reported that the voting environment has been encouraging from the outset, with a healthy turnout of voters, and expressed confidence that, should this trend continue, candidates representing the “Sheaf of Paddy” (Dhaner Sheesh) symbol under her husband’s leadership are likely to secure decisive victories.
On Thursday, 12 February, Mirza Abbas cast his vote at the Mirza Abbas Women’s Degree College polling centre at 7:45 a.m., accompanied by Afroza Abbas. Speaking to journalists, she said:
“So far, the voting atmosphere has been very promising. People are coming forward voluntarily to exercise their franchise. InshAllah, we expect to win by a significant margin.”
Addressing allegations of polling centre capture, Afroza Abbas emphasised that while anyone may raise complaints, the essential matter is that voters are able to cast their ballots peacefully. She added that other Dhaner Sheesh candidates in the constituency are equally poised for success.
Voter turnout has been notable across various Dhaka-8 polling stations since early morning. Law enforcement agencies have maintained order, ensuring smooth voting processes. However, at Mirza Abbas Women’s Degree College, a polling agent from Shaplakali faced temporary difficulty entering the centre, which was resolved at 7:40 a.m. following military intervention.
A summary of voter presence and polling conditions across key stations is presented below:
| Polling Centre | Voter Turnout | Smooth Voting | Issues & Intervention | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mirza Abbas Women’s Degree College | High | ✔ | Polling agent entry delayed | Resolved after army intervention |
| Shaplakali Centre | Medium | ✔ | Minor delays | Voting proceeding peacefully |
| Other Centres | High | ✔ | None reported | Voters participating voluntarily |
Analysts suggest that if the current momentum continues, high voter participation coupled with orderly processes could secure a commanding victory for Dhaner Sheesh candidates in Dhaka-8. The proactive role of law enforcement is also considered critical in ensuring voter safety and confidence.
Afroza Abbas further stated:
“We urge everyone to vote peacefully. If the environment remains as it is, every Dhaner Sheesh candidate is likely to win by a substantial margin.”
The outcome of today’s election is being closely monitored by both political stakeholders and the general public, as it is seen as a key reflection of Bangladesh’s political stability and the effective exercise of citizens’ democratic rights.
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