Dhaka-15 voters look beyond slogans to safety, services

Rejwana Islam, a resident of Rakin City in Mirpur, has grown up watching the women in her neighbourhood being politically conscious and active, and vocal about local issues.

Now, as the 13th National Parliamentary Election approaches, excitement is building among Rejwana, her relatives, and neighbours. 

For the women voters in the area, the true test of any candidate lies not in political speeches, but in addressing everyday problems -- resolving civic issues and ensuring public safety, Rejwana said.

Anjumonoara Anu, a 35-year-old homemaker from Manipur, echoes this view. 

She says insecurity on the streets is a constant cause of anxiety. Following the political change in 2024, she had hoped for more improvements. 

As February 12 draws closer, she plans to cast her ballot after careful deliberation.

Dhaka-15, a constituency flanking the iconic Begum Rokeya Sarani -- a major urban thoroughfare named in honour of the pioneer of women’s rights, Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain -- encompasses Manipur, 60 Feet Road, Shewrapara, Kazipara, Mirpur-13, and Kafrul.

Dhaka-15, a constituency flanking the iconic Begum Rokeya Sarani encompasses Manipur, 60 Feet Road, Shewrapara, Kazipara, Mirpur-13, and Kafrul Constituency has 351,718 voters -- including 179,616 men, 172,098 women, and four hijra voters

The constituency has drawn everyone’s attention due to the high-stakes battle for this seat between Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman and his primary challenger -- BNP candidate Safiqul Islam Milton.

The grievances of the residents are practical and pressing. “The main issue is insecurity. There is a constant fear of mugging, and recently, eve-teasing has surged,” said Rejwana. 

She also pointed to the lack of parks or playgrounds for children in the vicinity.

Anu adds to the list -- a rise in drug abuse and the perennial curse of waterlogging. 

During the monsoon, streets become submerged in filthy water, making the commute a nightmare for students of Manipur School. “Women face many social barriers to moving freely. Overcoming this requires a fundamental shift in public mindset,” she told The Daily Star.

Yesterday, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman formally launched his campaign at Mirpur Adarsha High School grounds. 

Expressing confidence, he said people would vote “Yes” in the referendum to be held alongside the February 12 election.

“The three canals in this constituency have turned into garbage dumps,” he said. He also cited problems such as polluted canals, a shortage of colleges and hospitals, and the spread of drugs and crime, and promised to address gas and water shortages by involving local residents.

Meanwhile, BNP Central Executive Committee member and local resident Mamun Hasan said the party has adopted a “special electoral strategy” as the highest Jamaat leader is contesting the seat. 

“The country is passing through a critical juncture, but people are conscious. They know there is no alternative to the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ to protect independence and sovereignty,” he said.

The two parties have distinct styles on the ground. 

Mahmud Shoeb of Shewrapara said Jamaat workers are focusing on door-to-door campaigns, while BNP activists are organising processions and local gatherings.

Shah Alam Tuhin, member secretary of Jamaat’s election management committee, said they are receiving an “extremely positive” response.

“We have a strong organisational base in Manipur, Shewrapara, Kazipara, and Ibrahimpur,” said Tuhin.

However, Tuhin raised concern over security, alleging that “vast amounts of illegal weapons and money linked to the previous “fascist” regime remain unrecovered. He called for strict administrative vigilance to prevent violence. 

Despite the rivalry, Tuhin noted that they maintain a “cordial relationship” with BNP candidate Milton.

Milton, however, described Dhaka-15 as a BNP stronghold. 

Citing his local roots and experience, he expressed confidence in his party’s organisational strength. 

He was quick to point out the past, saying, “In the 2018 election, the Jamaat Ameer contested from this seat under the BNP’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol and was defeated. Recently, Jamaat workers faced public backlash while trying to collect personal data from households and had to apologise.”

Dhaka-15 is home to key institutions such as Manipur School, Hermann Gmeiner School, the National Heart Foundation, and the BRTA. 

The constituency has 351,718 voters -- including 179,616 men, 172,098 women, and four hijra voters -- more than 7,000 higher than in the previous election.

Other candidates in the race include Ahmed Sajedul Huq Rubel (CPB), Md Shamsul Haque (Jatiya Party), Md Ashfakur Rahman (Bangladesh Jasad), Mobarak Hossain (BSP), Shoyeb Aman Ullah (Janatar Dal) and Md Nilav Parvez (Amjanatar Dal).