“Nasiruddin trapped at the cannon’s mouth, rescued by the army.”

During a routine inspection of the Railway Colony High School polling station in Dhaka-8 for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, Nasiruddin Patwari, candidate of the 11-party alliance and leader of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), reportedly faced a violent incident. The candidate alleges that he was attacked while on site on Thursday, 12 February, around midday.

Patwari was addressing the media at the polling centre when supporters of Mirza Abbas allegedly began chanting “fake, fake” slogans. According to Patwari, tensions escalated when these individuals pursued him, culminating in a physical confrontation. The situation was swiftly brought under control by the military, who intervened to secure Patwari and prevent further disorder.

Following the incident, Patwari took to social media, posting allegations of vote rigging and targeted assault. In his post, he claimed that a “terrorist wing” linked to Mirza Abbas was engaging in electoral fraud. He further stated that, upon attempting to enter the polling station, BNP activists attacked him openly in the presence of election officials.

Patwari condemned the incident, emphasising the urgent need for accountability and safety. In his Facebook post, he called for a prompt and impartial investigation into the events and demanded that authorities ensure the security of all voters.

As of this report, Mirza Abbas and his representatives have not issued any response to the allegations. Election observers and local law enforcement have yet to comment on the matter, leaving questions over procedural oversight and the security of polling centres during the ongoing election.

The following table summarises the key details of the incident:

The episode highlights ongoing tensions at several polling stations in Dhaka-8, as political parties intensify campaigning and monitor voting processes closely. Observers have noted rising confrontations between rival supporters, underscoring the delicate security situation during the elections.

Patwari’s public statements have drawn attention to the need for robust election oversight. Authorities are being urged to take immediate measures to prevent further disturbances and to safeguard both candidates and voters, ensuring the electoral process proceeds without disruption.