Shared trauma, mutual respect shape race for Dhaka-14
As the sun set, a tea stall on the slope of Rainkhola near Mirpur Zoo buzzed with speculation. A group of young men debated whether the upcoming national election would affect personal relationships in the neighbourhood.
At the same time, across the city at the July Uprising Memorial Museum in Gono Bhaban, the two main contenders for the Dhaka-14 seat -- BNP’s Sanjida Islam Tulee and Jamaat-e-Islami’s Mir Ahmad BinQuasem Arman -- stood side by side.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. We are not enemies. If I win, I will work with Sanjida Islam Tulee. If I lose, I will be the first to congratulate her.
Invited by the interim government, they stood before a replica of the former fascist regime’s secret torture cell -- “Gumghor”.
One screen showed a documentary on Arman’s year-long enforced disappearance, while nearby was displayed a dress once owned by Tulee’s brother, Sajedul Islam Sumon, a BNP leader who was also a victim of enforced disappearance.
In that shared moment of trauma, electoral rivalry faded. Both broke down in tears, united by personal loss rather than divided by politics.
That spirit of mutual respect has also reached the streets of Mirpur-1 in the Dhaka-14 constituency.
The third major contender, Syed Abu Bakar Siddique Shaju -- an independent candidate and son of late BNP leader S A Khaleque -- began his street march at Mirpur New Market by expressing respect for his rivals’ sacrifices.
Dhaka-14 is a diverse constituency, home to the Shah Ali Mazar, Gabtoli Bus Terminal, the National Zoo, and Mirpur Stadium.
Its electorate includes middle-class residents, labourers, and a large number of vocal young voters. Issues such as teen gangs, drug abuse, and public security dominate tea-stall conversations.
“Young voters are very observant this time,” said Bappi, a tea-seller at Rainkhola. “There is sympathy for both BNP and Jamaat candidates. We hope for a peaceful environment without clashes.”
A female voter from Mirpur-6, speaking anonymously, echoed the call for stability. “We see reports of attacks over opinions and faiths across the country. This must stop. We want our representatives to restore peace,” she said.
Jamaat candidate Barrister Arman said he has been active in the area for the past eight months. “The response from women and young voters has been overwhelming,” he told The Daily Star. “The August 5, 2024 revolution was just the beginning. In Dhaka-14, you will see a new trend in politics.”
Referring to Tulee as his “sister”, Arman said, “We are not enemies. If I win, I will work with her. If I lose, I will be the first to congratulate her.”
Despite being from another party, Barrister Arman is like a brother to me. When we stood before the torture cell at the July Museum, there was no rivalry -- only humanity.
BNP candidate Sanjida Tulee said voters are seeking change beyond conventional politics, particularly young people. “We need a new kind of politics that ensures safety and improves education and healthcare,” she said, adding that she is taking BNP’s 31-point nationalist agenda to the people.
Highlighting local problems, she said the lack of streetlights poses security risks for both men and women, while drugs, teen gangs, corruption, and illegal encroachment remain widespread. “These are issues I want to address,” she said.
Speaking about Arman, Tulee said, “Despite being from another party, he is like a brother to me. When we stood before the torture cell at the July Museum, there was no rivalry -- only humanity.”
Meanwhile, independent candidate Shaju said his long-standing ties to the area give him an edge. “I am a son of this neighbourhood. My family’s legacy and my 17 years of involvement with the people are my strengths,” he said, despite being expelled from the BNP for contesting independently.
“My rivals are highly qualified human rights champions. But I believe the people will choose me for my accessibility and my family’s past contributions,” he added.
The candidates also raised concerns about the election environment.
Citing security risks for candidates, Tulee asked why adequate protection isn’t being ensured.
She also pointed out that female candidates are being harassed on social media and called for government action in this regard.
Arman accused the Election Commission of bias, which he described as worrying for a free and fair election.
He said the Jamaat ameer has raised the issue with the chief adviser, who assured of a level playing field.
Dhaka-14 has 456,044 voters -- 232,066 male, 223,007 female, and four hijra -- an increase of more than 37,000 voters since the last general election.
Other candidates who’re running for this constituency include Abu Yusuf (Islami Andolan), Riaz Uddin (CPB), Jashim Uddin (Gono Forum), Sohel Rana (LDP), Moniruzzaman (AB Party), and nominees from other parties.
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