Md Abul Kalam, a resident of the BSCIC area in Rohitpur, Keraniganj, is waiting for the election with cautious hope.
While he has no complaints about the overall local environment, he is worried about the economy and the rising prices of daily essentials.
“Overall, the situation here is peaceful, but many people are economically fragile,” the Dhaka-2 voter told The Daily Star. “I hope things will improve at least after the election.”
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Anwar Bhuiyan from Atibazar echoed similar sentiments. Describing himself as a politically conscious citizen, he said the election could bring some relief, though he remained sceptical.
“Politics in our country is very vindictive,” he said. “If political conflict stops, many problems will start resolving on their own.”
The Dhaka-2 constituency includes Hazratpur, Kalatia, Taranagar, Shakta, Rohitpur, Basta and Kalindi unions of Keraniganj upazila, along with Aminbazar, Tetuljhora and Bhakurta unions of Savar upazila.
According to locals, environmental pollution is the region’s most pressing issue. Parts of the constituency border the Buriganga river, exposing residents to severe river and air pollution.
Traffic congestion is another major concern, particularly along the Dhaka–Aricha highway in Aminbazar and Hemayetpur. Unplanned urbanisation has also reduced playgrounds and open spaces across the area.
Now, with the election approaching, campaigning has picked up pace in the constituency.
Candidates are holding street meetings, meeting voters and promising development.
Amir Hossain, a resident of Bhakurta union, told The Daily Star, “Processions are held on the streets; candidates are asking for votes.
Previously, candidates would visit homes to seek votes on behalf of the candidates. This time, no one has come to the house yet.”
He added that voters appear enthusiastic. “BNP, Jamaat and Islami Andolan -- everyone is campaigning in their own way. So far, I haven’t heard of any clashes or violence over the election.”
Three candidates are contesting the Dhaka-2 seat: Aman Ullah Aman of BNP, Md Abdul Haq of Jamaat-e-Islami, and Md Johirul Islam of Islami Andolan Bangladesh.
Jamaat candidate Abdul Haq said public frustration with corruption, extortion, drug trade and abuse of power has created space for an alternative.
“People are fed up with the misdeeds of one party,” he said. “That’s why support for Jamaat-e-Islami is growing.”
If elected, he pledged to focus on five priorities: stopping corruption and extortion, eliminating the drug trade, ending political harassment and false cases, fostering social harmony beyond political or religious divisions, and ensuring a modern education system.
Raising allegations of threats against BNP activists, he called upon voters to remain vigilant and vote against injustice.
Md Johirul Islam, contesting with the “Hat Pakha” symbol of IAB, claimed he is getting an overwhelming public response during his campaigns.
“People want healthy, new politics instead of long-standing tainted politics,” he said.
He added that Islami Andolan’s message of equality and dignity has resonated strongly with women voters, and that the party has Shariah-based modern plans for youth employment and women’s development.
He also alleged intimidation by BNP activists.
BNP candidate Aman Ullah Aman, a former student leader, has been elected four times from this constituency.
He said development work carried out during his previous terms has created a strong wave for BNP and the “sheaf of paddy” symbol.
If elected again, he promised to turn Dhaka-2 into a modern, planned city.
“I have five main promises -- making the area free from crime, extortion, and illegal occupation; improving connectivity with Dhaka; building a modern drainage system to prevent waterlogging; ensuring fast gas connections to areas that still lack them; and launching a modern water and sewerage system through Wasa,” Aman Ullah Aman told The Daily Star.
Responding to allegations from his rivals, Aman dismissed the claims.
“I have been contesting elections here since 1991. I have never threatened or criticised any opponent,” he said. “My campaign is being conducted in line with the code of conduct.”
He urged voters to go to polling centres without fear on February 12 and vote for BNP to build a peaceful and planned Keraniganj.
Following boundary redrawing, the constituency now has 419,215 voters -- 217,908 men, 201,298 women, and nine hijra voters. In the previous election, the voter count stood at 558,954.
