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parties have failed us in 55 years of independence. It’s time for change,” he said.

The race features BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, a seasoned politician with deep-rooted influence who has twice been elected MP from this area.

His primary challenger is Nasiruddin Patwary, a leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and a leader linked to the July Uprising.

Backed by the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami, Patwary is campaigning on dismantling what he calls the “old political culture”.

Other candidates include Meghna Alam (Gono Odhikar Parishad), Kifayatullah (IAB), Md Golam Sarwar (Janata Dal), AFM Ismail Chowdhury (Bangladesh Jasad), SM Sarwar (Bangladesh Islami Front), Tridip Kumar Saha (CPB), Zuber Alam Khan (Jatiya Party), Russel Kabir (Muktijote), and AHM Rafiquzzaman Akanda (BSD).

The constituency recently became a flashpoint after Patwary alleged he was attacked during campaigning.

He blamed Abbas’s supporters, a claim the veteran leader dismissed as a “sympathy stunt”.

Focusing on economic disparity, he added, “I don’t believe in empty promises of jobs. I want to uproot the cause -- extortion and corruption. If the system is fixed, the youth will create their own employment.”

He also criticised the Election Commission, alleging that loan defaulters and criminals were cleared to contest. “Even EC officials appear helpless and panicked,” he said.

Mirza Abbas, meanwhile, alleged that a level playing field is absent.

“My opponents are resorting to personal attacks and derogatory campaigning, which is a clear violation of the code of conduct,” he said.

“I am a son of this soil. For 50 years, I have stood by the people here. If they believe I can deliver, I hope they give me their mandate,” Abbas added.

His manifesto includes recovering occupied playgrounds and parks, modernising Mugda Hospital, and establishing new schools and graveyards.

He also alleged behind-the-scenes interference. “I believe a section of the government is trying to ensure the victory of a particular group. But I believe the people will deliver the right verdict on February 12,” said Mirza Abbas.

Meghna Alam, the only woman in the race for Dhaka-8, called for an end to defamation.

While noting obstacles in some areas, she said she had not faced any attacks.

“I propose a policy-based debate on media, similar to developed nations, where candidates will discuss their manifestos,” she told The Daily Star.

“I urge voters to ignore fear and trigger a ballot revolution to change the filthy political culture,” she said.

Dhaka-8 has 2,75,471 voters -- 1,52,795 men, 1,22,675 women, and one hijra.