Just after 9:00am on Friday, independent Dhaka-9 candidate Tasnim Jara stepped into the narrow lanes of Goran Bazar in Khilgaon with around 15 volunteers by her side.

There were no posters, loudspeakers, or processions. Instead, she blended easily into the neighbourhood, going door to door, speaking directly with street vendors, shoppers, and families. 

They were asked to vote for the football symbol and encouraged to persuade five others in the constituency to do the same.

Dhaka-9 -- covering Khilgaon, Sabujbagh, and Mugda -- is one of the capital’s most densely populated constituencies, with about 4,69,360 registered voters.

Volunteers handed out leaflets outlining her manifesto, as the team moved slowly through South Goran and Baganbari Kacha Bazar.

Children ran ahead, while adults stepped out to exchange brief greetings. From balconies and rooftops, residents waved or called out as volunteers reminded them to spread the message among friends and families.

Jara drew attention almost everywhere she went. Some residents said they had followed her online videos as a doctor long before she entered politics. 

Children approached her often for selfies. A toddler handed her chocolates, a four-year-old boy gave her a football, and his five-year-old sister passed down a rose from their balcony. Jara bent down to accept the gifts, asking the children about their schools.

A class six student stepped forward confidently. “I know you will win,” he said. Jara smiled and gently patted him.

Not all conversations were light. One woman complained about repeated problems at Mugda Hospital -- the constituency’s only government hospital -- where X-ray and ultrasound machines often fail.

“You are a doctor. We hope you will do something for people who have no option but government hospitals,” she said. 

Jara assured her that hospital mismanagement is a top priority and urged her to vote and convince five others.

Another woman promised her vote but added a condition. “I want my vote to mean something. Please work for women’s safety so my daughter can go out and return home safely,” she said. 

Jara responded immediately, citing plans for improved street lighting and safer roads to ensure women’s security after dark.

One resident mentioned that her husband and sister-in-law live abroad and had already voted for Jara. The candidate recorded a short thank-you video on the woman’s phone, asking her to share it with them. 

Volunteer Anila Tabassum Hridi said women voters are especially enthusiastic. “They feel heard because she is genuine in listening to their concerns,” she said.

A man praised Jara’s campaign style. “No processions, no posters -- just Facebook videos and personal engagement. This is innovative. Traditional methods waste time and energy,” he said. 

While talking to the media during the campaigning, Jara explained her approach. “People appreciate that we reach them directly. Processions often show power, not service. We are proving politics can be done differently -- without posters or loudspeakers -- and people are responding.”

She said nearly 15,000 volunteers are active online, with friends and family from across the country and abroad encouraging voters to support her campaign.

If elected, Jara said she would focus on six priority areas, including government services, gas supply, roads, and waterlogging management. “Dhaka-9 is important but long neglected,” she said.

On healthcare, she noted that Mugda Hospital is overcrowded and lacks critical emergency services. “Millions depend on this hospital, yet basic systems are missing. We have clear plans to address this.”

On education, she said her goal is to equip children with modern skills, mental health awareness, and AI literacy so they can compete globally. 

“We also aim to establish day care centres in every ward and provide e-commerce training and market access so women can work from home or in shops with proper support.”

Regarding safety concerns, Jara said, “Residents want assurance that their daughters can go out and return safely. These basic needs have been ignored for too long.” 

“We plan to address these needs and ensure residents can reach us directly via local offices and a digital dashboard.”

This year’s Dhaka-9 race is competitive. BNP’s Habibur Rashid Habib and NCP’s Javed Rasin are also contesting.

The seat was previously held by Awami League leader Saber Hossain Chowdhury, who represented Dhaka-9 for four consecutive terms.