United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee member and party-nominated candidate for the Dhaka-8 seat Mirza Abbas on Monday expressed suspicions about election engineering as some candidates are claiming certain victory despite having no public connection or electoral experience. “I have been contesting elections in this area since 1977. Before any election, I have never been able to say with certainty that I will win,” he said. Talking to journalists after offering Zohr prayers at the Central Police Hospital Mosque in Rajarbagh, the BNP leader said that even as an experienced politician, he still cannot say he is a sure winner in the election. “But those who have never contested an election, have no public connection, are not known in the area and have never been involved in local development work are now claiming they will definitely win. How can they be so confident?” he said. Abbas, a former minister, expressed doubt over such confident claims of victory, saying these raise concerns about possible election manipulation. “Those who are not supposed to win are saying they have already won. This makes me doubtful. I fear they may be planning vote rigging or election engineering.” The BNP leader urged his party colleagues and supporters to remain alert and guard polling stations on February 12 so that no one can engage in election engineering. Zubaida inaugurates free heart camp at Korail slum Responding to questions about recent anti-women remarks made by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, Abbas said such comments were not new. “He has made derogatory remarks before as well. He is an experienced and prudent person. Basically, he was with JSD. He and two other senior leaders came to Jamaat from other parties.” After joining Jamaat, he said they behave in a way as if they must say such things so that people can understand they belong to Jamaat. “That is why they find the courage to make offensive remarks about women.” Tarique urges women to respond to Jamaat Ameer’s derogatory remarks through ballot Regarding the Jamaat Ameer’s claim that his social media account had been hacked, Abbas said he was surprised by how quickly the account was recovered. “I did not know that a hacked account could be restored so quickly.” Later in the afternoon, Mirza Abbas carried out door-to-door campaigning, seeking votes for the BNP’s electoral symbol Sheaf of Paddy, in Shahjahanpur Income Tax Colony and nearby market areas. He also held meetings and continued campaigning in the Shahjahanpur Jahaj Building Road area in the evening.

BNP senior leader and Dhaka-8 constituency candidate Mirza Abbas on Sunday vowed to make his area free from drugs, extortion and crime if elected through the national election billed for February 12. “For the past 17 years, my area has been destroyed by drugs, terrorism and extortion. I promise to free my constituency from these evils,” he said. Abbas, also a BNP Standing Committee member, made the pledge while campaigning in the Shahjahanpur area. He also criticised statements made by leaders of other parties and some government quarters, saying they suggest that something suspicious is going on. “Some of the things being said make it seem that something is hidden behind the scenes,” the BNP leader said, using the phrase ‘Dal mein kuch kala hai’ (something is wrong). Responding to a question about a Jamaat candidate’s claim that BNP will not be allowed to win any seat in Dhaka, he said such a statement was undemocratic. “One candidate said they will not give us a single seat in Dhaka. My question is—who are they to give seats? Seats belong to Allah and the people. Speaking above the people is arbitrary and undemocratic,” Abbas said. The BNP leader alleged that attempts were being made to damage his reputation through false information and propaganda. “They are using every possible weapon to attack me. Fake documents are being spread, false content is being created using AI, and social media is being flooded by organised online groups. People who rely on lies can never be good for the nation,” he observed. Abbas accused his opponents of making undemocratic and arbitrary statements and claimed that powerful forces were backing them. “It seems they are trying to manipulate the election process through engineering, but the people will resist this.” Abbas said that just as people elected him in 1991, 1996 and 2001 out of love and trust, they would once again judge his work and the activities of his party and vote for him in the upcoming election. Commenting on recent remarks by a Jamaat-e-Islami leader regarding family cards and employment, he said many questions have been raised about it. “They are saying they will not give unemployment allowances but will create jobs. The people will judge this.” The BNP leader recalled that people defeated the Pakistani army with bare feet and wearing lungis in 1971. “We resisted the Awami League, we resisted Ershad, and this time too all conspiracies will be defeated, Insha’Allah.” Replying to a question, Abbas said he is optimistic about winning the election. “I am working hard. The rest I leave to Allah,” he added. Abbas conducted campaigns in Malibagh, Mominbagh, Shahjahanpur and Shahbagh areas, and sought votes for the BNP’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol. He also attended a prize-giving ceremony after a friendly football match at Shahjahanpur Railway Colony Maitri Sangha ground.