Nasiruddin Patwary, the National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate for Dhaka-8, called upon BNP to expel senior leader Mirza Abbas, alleging that his family members and supporters were behind a "violent attack" on him.

Speaking at a press conference hours after the incident at Habibullah Bahar College in Dhaka, Nasiruddin claimed the attack was “planned".

He alleged that it was masterminded by Mirza Abbas’ nephew, Aditya, with the involvement of local leaders of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal.

He mentioned names of several individuals at the press conference, but this newspaper could not independently verify the allegation.

“I request Tarique Rahman to make a clear decision, whether he will continue to shelter such elements in his party or take action against them,” Patwary told reporters.

“I demand that Mirza Abbas be expelled from the BNP for failing to maintain party discipline.”

Referring to former prime minister Khaleda Zia, he said she would have felt “ashamed” if she had witnessed such violence carried out in the name of party politics.

Describing the incident, Patwary said he had gone to the college around noon after receiving an invitation to attend a pitha festival.

According to him, general students welcomed his team with flowers before a group identifying themselves as former Chhatra Dal leaders confronted him at the gate and demanded money.

“They told me that Mirza Abbas pays money there and asked if I could do the same,” he said, adding that he refused, rejecting any form of corruption or extortion.

Patwary alleged that the confrontation soon escalated into violence, with brickbats and eggs thrown at him and his supporters. He said several of his supporters were injured, including a woman who required four stitches to her head.

The NCP leader further claimed that the assault continued even after police arrived at the scene. “The police said they were there to protect us, yet our supporters were attacked in front of them,” he said.

Patwary also criticised the Election Commission, alleging that it had failed to ensure security and a level playing field ahead of the February 12 polls.

Despite the incident, he said he would continue his campaign peacefully and vowed to work against terrorism, extortion and corruption in Dhaka-8, regardless of the election outcome.