Nasiruddin Patwary, chief coordinator of NCP and the 11-party alliance candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, on Saturday warned that those attempting to seize polling centres would face strong resistance.
Speaking during an election campaign in the capital’s Khilgaon area, Patwary alleged that certain groups were preparing to take control of polling stations.
He said resistance would be organised with public participation if such attempts were made.
“If anyone comes to occupy polling centres, they will not be able to return home,” Patwary said, issuing a stern warning while addressing supporters.
He also spoke out against extortion, drug trafficking and criminal activities in the constituency, claiming that his alliance had declared a “war” against such practices in Dhaka-8.
“People wake up in the morning to extort money and go to sleep planning the next day’s extortion,” he said, adding that voters no longer wanted such elements in positions of power.
Patwary expressed confidence that growing public frustration over extortion and criminal activity would help secure an electoral victory for the 11-party alliance in the upcoming polls.
He further alleged signs of preparations for violence, claiming that hockey sticks and stamps – items often associated with street clashes – were no longer available in the Gulistan area.
“We are also preparing to resist, but we will not take the law into our own hands. We will build resistance together with the people,” he said.
During the day, Patwary carried out campaign activities and public outreach in Khilgaon Bazar, Officers’ Colony, Mominbagh and surrounding areas.
