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Published : 27 Jan 2026, 05:40 PM
NCP leader Nasiruddin Patwary, a candidate of the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 10-party coalition in the Dhaka-8 constituency, has called for the expulsion of his election rival Mirza Abbas from the BNP, alleging that he was attacked by Abbas's supporters while attending a college event in Dhaka’s Shantinagar.
He made the demand at an emergency press conference in Dhaka on Tuesday, following an incident at a pitha festival at Habibullah Bahar University College earlier in the day.
Patwary alleged that supporters of Abbas, a member of the BNP Standing Committee and the party’s candidate for the Dhaka-8 seat, carried out a “surprise attack” on him at the event.
He called on BNP chief Tarique Rahman to expel Abbas for breaching party discipline.
“It is now for the BNP leadership to decide whether it will shelter those involved in violence or take action against them,” Patwary said, adding that he was leaving the judgment to the public.
The incident occurred around 11:30am on Tuesday when Patwary, an invited guest at the festival, arrived at the venue and was met with slogan-chanting by a group of youths.
The situation later escalated into pushing and shoving, with Patwary’s supporters alleging he was physically assaulted.
Following the incident, Patwary led a protest march to the Fakirapul area, where he and his supporters staged a sit-in in front of Parabat Hotel.
Patwary denied any links to corruption or criminal activities, alleging instead that an attack was carried out on his activists.
Referring to Habibullah College, he said allegations of question paper leaks, criminal activities and irregularities in the governing board had already surfaced before he went there.
He claimed the college principal was appointed during the Awami League’s time in office and that the governing board was formed by Abbas.
Patwary also recalled a past meeting with former BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.
“When we went to meet [Khaleda], she gave us her blessings and urged us to keep the country on the right path. If she were alive today, she would feel ashamed seeing these activities,” he said.
Highlighting his position against violence, Patwary said he would not allow criminal dominance in the Dhaka-8 constituency, regardless of the election outcome.
“Whether I win or lose, I will not allow a reign of terror in Dhaka-8. In the Feb 12 vote, people will give their verdict against terror and corruption,” he said.
He alleged that former Chhatra Dal leaders “led” the attack at Habibullah College, many of whom are no longer students.
He also claimed that a close associate of Abbas was the “mastermind” behind the incident.
“If security cannot be ensured and a fair election is not held, the Election Commission must explain why we should remain in the race,” Patwary said.
