BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 candidate Mirza Abbas said on Tuesday, January 27, that his invitation for tea was being misrepresented as a threat. Speaking at a campaign event in Gulbag, Malibagh, he claimed that opponents were trying to provoke conflict and accused them of labeling him unfairly. Abbas emphasized that he would not fall into any traps and urged all candidates to seek votes based on their contributions to the area.

Following the rally, Abbas conducted public outreach from Mouchak to Rajarbagh Police Gate and later led a large procession organized by the local BNP and affiliated groups. He criticized rival candidates as temporary figures who appear only during elections and highlighted his long-standing presence in national politics since 1991. Abbas also rejected allegations of extortion, saying those making such claims were themselves responsible for such acts.

He asserted that voters would ultimately judge his opponents on February 12, suggesting that the public would issue them a “red card” for their behavior.