Mirza Abbas, the BNP candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, has stated that the public’s mandate cannot be secured through slander, the spread of confusion, or bluffing.
Speaking to journalists during a mass contact programme at Khilgaon Bazar in the capital on Sunday, he questioned the source of confidence for certain political parties that have already assumed an inevitable victory.
Following his morning activities, Abbas conducted “uthon boithoks” (courtyard meetings) at Outer Circular Road, Rajarbagh Globe Nibash, and near the Navana Building in the afternoon.
His campaign continued into the evening with a mass contact session inside the PWD Staff Quarter, followed by participation in a “milon mela”.
Regarding the electoral atmosphere, Abbas remarked that the environment is not conducive, noting that he has been specifically targeted with offensive and provocative rhetoric despite such speech being prohibited by the electoral code of conduct.
He asserted that those engaging in falsehoods would be held accountable for their actions in both this life and the hereafter.
The BNP leader further questioned the role of the Election Commission (EC), stating that it is the Commission’s responsibility to monitor such violations. He accused the EC of bias, pointing out that no action had been taken despite formal complaints being lodged.
Additionally, Abbas raised significant concerns regarding the voter list, claiming that out of approximately 280,000 voters in his constituency, nearly half are missing or cannot be identified. He demanded that the voter list be verified and that absent voters be cancelled, arguing that a true result cannot be achieved otherwise.
Abbas also addressed recent “obscene and filthy” comments made by a top leader of an anti-independence party concerning working women. Condemning the remarks, he stated that religion does not forbid women from working and that women are granted equal rights. He urged the female community to remain vigilant regarding parties that hold such views.
Concluding his remarks, Abbas touched upon the role of the press, noting that while the media has occasionally written against his party, they have raised no objections because they firmly believe in the freedom of the media.
