Patwary alleges extortion chain from Mirza Abbas to Tarique Rahman

Dhaka‑8 has become one of the most talked‑about contests as 11‑party alliance candidate and National Citizen Party chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary continues to make sharp comments about his rivals. On Wednesday, 4 February, while campaigning, he made fresh allegations about BNP candidate and Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas.

Patwary said he is receiving messages about extortion in transport sectors and asked where the collected money goes, citing the Saidabad bus terminal as an example. He then claimed there is a multi‑level system in which money is collected from the ward level up to Mirza Abbas and Tarique Rahman. He urged that such activities be stopped and said he did not want a “gangster economy” in Bangladesh after the recent mass movement, calling instead for a new Bangladesh.

He said he had previously given Mirza Abbas time to correct himself and return public money, but claimed Abbas did not do so and instead returned to old habits. Patwary said he still urges him to reform.

Patwary also said that the label “neighbourhood boy Abbas” should not imply only one worthy candidate exists in the area. He argued there are other capable local candidates and asked voters not to support “these criminals.” He said he wants to work peacefully and warned that if he is harassed, he will publish what he called the “records” of those he described as godfathers and extortionists who received nominations. He said he would also convey his concerns to Tarique Rahman.