Dhaka-12, as a constituency, can be defined by a high-density corridor where industry, commerce, and community intersect.
It is home to the high-octane Tejgaon Industrial Area, Karwan Bazar -- the country’s largest wholesale hub and Dhaka’s primary food lifeline, the country’s largest truck stand at Tejgaon, a concentration of business headquarters rivalling that of Motijheel and Gulshan, and sprawling residential neighbourhoods.
Diverse in both character and function, Dhaka-12 is as complex as it is crowded.
A total of 15 candidates are contesting the February 12 polls, representing parties including Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Party, Biplobi Workers Party, Ganosamhati Andolan, Communist Party of Bangladesh, and Gono Odhikar Parishad, among others.
The BNP has extended its support to Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Huq in the constituency, withdrawing its own candidate, Saiful Alam Nirob, former convener of BNP’s Dhaka North City unit.
Nirob, who faced the brunt of repression under the Awami League government, chose to stay in the race, prompting the BNP to expel him. He is now contesting the election as an independent candidate with the Football symbol.
Voters believe the real contest is among BNP rebel Saiful Alam Nirob, Jamaat-backed Saiful Alam Khan Milon, and BNP-supported Saiful Huq, turning the race into what many are calling the “Battle of the Saifuls”.
Besides the three, Taslima Akhter of Ganosamhati Andolan, Kallol Banik of the Communist Party of Bangladesh, Mohammad Shahjalal of Bangladesh Islami Front, Mominul Amin of National Democratic Movement, Tarek Rahman of Amjanatar Dal, Sarker Mohammad Salauddin of Jatiya Party, Mahmudul Hasan of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Farid Ahmed of Jonotar Dal, Mosammat Salma Akter of Insaniyat Biplab Bangladesh, Muntasir Mahmud of Bangladesh Cultural Liberation Alliance (Muktijot), and Abul Bashar Chowdhury of Gono Odhikar Parishad are also contesting for the seat.
All candidates are engaged in intensive campaigning, making different promises to win over the support of the constituency’s 3,33,320 voters -- 1,74,349 men and 1,58,968 women.
Talking to The Daily Star, voters identified load-shedding, mosquito menace, teen gangs, and extortion as the constituency’s most pressing issues.
Major candidates have also prioritised these concerns in their election pledges.
Saiful Alam Nirob has pledged to eliminate extortion, curb drug abuse, dismantle teen gangs, clear footpaths occupied by hawkers, vendors, floating populations and construction materials, and modernise the truck stand.
He also vowed to allocate designated days for street vendors to operate on unused roads.
“If voters elect me with the ‘Football’ symbol on February 12, my primary goal will be to build a modern and safe Dhaka-12,” Nirob told The Daily Star.
Nirob expressed optimism about being elected, but voiced concern over the use of muscle power and election-centric violence.
Jamaat candidate Saiful Alam Milon also voiced hope, saying people want change and will vote for Jamaat to bring it.
Talking about his party’s pledges, he said Jamaat, if voted to power, would create employment for 50 lakh youths in its first year at the country’s helm.
He also spoke of skill development programmes for educated youth, upgrading colleges into universities, establishing medical colleges in every district, and promoting moral education.
On women, the Jamaat candidate said his party will ensure their education, employment, and security, with a zero-tolerance policy against violence and harassment.
At the local level, Milon said his priorities include stopping extortion and drug abuse, resolving gas shortages, addressing waterlogging and ensuring public safety.
Meanwhile, talking to this newspaper, BNP-backed candidate Saiful Huq accused Nirob and his supporters of obstructing his campaign.
Expressing confidence, Huq said he is receiving a strong response from voters.
Like his rivals, Huq pledged to tackle extortion, drug abuse and illegal occupation, and promised to make the constituency business-friendly and livable by resolving water, gas, electricity and sewerage issues.
Bangladesh Garment Sramik Samhati president Taslima Akhter, vying for the constituency under the banner of Ganosamhati Andolan, called for a peaceful democratic transition.
She emphasised women’s empowerment and a labour-friendly environment, pledging to continue her struggle on both fronts.
Nargis, a middle-aged woman who has sold rice cakes (pitha) in Tejgaon for nearly a decade, said she is eager to vote after many years.
“My vote is my right, and I will vote for the most suitable candidate,” she said while talking to The Daily Star.
She hoped for a positive change through the February 12 election, and demanded an end to extortion from whoever wins this seat.
Mojibur Rahman, a 43-year-old private-sector employee, said he is satisfied with the election environment and hopes for a fair vote.
Identifying load-shedding, drugs and teen gangs as key problems, he said the next government must ensure security, improve law and order and control the prices of essentials.
Businessman Rezaul of Poschim Rajabazar and Giasuddin Torofdar, secretary of the Manipuri Para Welfare Association, identified mosquito, rickety footpaths, and sewerage problems as the main issues of the constituency.
Both hoped these problems will be resolved by the next elected government.
This newspaper also spoke with some Hindu voters in Shahinbag Hindupara, who said the election lacks the festive atmosphere seen in previous times.
“The country’s current situation is complicated, and the coming days may get worse. But we want peace and to build the nation together,” said one voter, requesting anonymity.
