Along Pragati Sarani -- the lifeline of eastern Dhaka -- stands the International Buddhist Monastery. During a recent visit, its vice-principal, Buddhananda Mahathero, prayed for national peace.
He recalled offering similar prayers in July 2024, when police assaulted students from two nearby private universities. Many of them had taken shelter inside the monastery that day.
The monk now hopes that those entrusted with running the state will work toward an inclusive society, irrespective of religion or caste.
The monastery falls within the Dhaka-11 constituency, which comprises Rampura, Badda, Bhatara, and parts of Hatirjheel police station.
The seat is witnessing a high-profile contest.
Nahid Islam, a prominent face of the July uprising and convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), is contesting from Dhaka-11. He hails from Fakirkhali village in Badda thana.
Expectations surrounding the youth-led party are high.
Mahmuda Begum, 40, a resident of Poshchimpara in Nurerchala, said, “This time, I am for the youth. I hope not only youth-led parties, but young candidates from all parties win.”
A shopkeeper by profession, Mahmuda pointed to long-standing problems such as gas and water shortages and waterlogging. From the politicians of “New Bangladesh,” she expects stability in commodity prices.
Nahid’s main challenger is BNP candidate MA Quayum, a long-serving former commissioner of the Badda area.
As the country heads toward the February 12 elections, voters in Dhaka-11 -- many casting ballots after a long gap -- appear politically energised.
Nahid is carrying out mass outreach at mosques and markets, holding courtyard meetings, and running an active social media campaign.
Quayum, meanwhile, is organising street rallies and exchange meetings while distributing his manifesto.
Although the two rivals have not faced each other directly on the campaign trail, they have both been long known as local figures.
Dhaka-11 reflects mixed demographics. Areas such as Badda, Aftabnagar, Shahzadpur, and Rampura are home to educated middle and upper-middle-class professionals and businesspeople.
In contrast, North Badda, Satarkul, and Beraid are largely populated by lower-middle-class residents and small traders, alongside a sizable labour community.
Road development work has recently begun from Satarkul Bridge to Badda. However, the poor condition of this key route to central Dhaka has caused widespread suffering.
Traffic congestion, drug abuse, law-and-order issues, and waterlogging also remain major concerns.
In Bhatara’s Hindu Para, home to around 400 families, gas and water shortages top the list of grievances.
Amrit Chandra Das, 40, who left a corporate job to start a business eight years ago, stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence.
Nahid told The Daily Star, “The response has been phenomenal, especially from youth and women.”
“People couldn’t vote for 16 years. Now the political equation has changed, and people are approaching us with their expectations. The election seems to have rekindled hope.”
Representing the NCP under the Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party alliance, Nahid said the organisational experience of Jamaat has been helpful. “We are campaigning in a coordinated way,” he added.
If elected, he plans to bring youth into leadership roles and prioritise job creation, good governance, and public safety. He also promised infrastructure projects to address traffic, waste management, healthcare, and education.
“I’m not saying everything will be solved in five years, but the reconstruction of this area will begin,” he said.
Quayum is equally confident. “Although formal campaigning started recently, we’ve been working at the grassroots for over a month. I served as commissioner here for nearly two decades and ensured gas and water supply while establishing schools and colleges. People trust me,” he said.
Citing crime, drugs, and extortion as key challenges, Quayum called on young people to stay engaged.
While Nahid said he has not faced direct obstruction, he expressed concern over the possible use of muscle power on election day. “We are briefing the administration and will be prepared to resist any interference,” he said.
Quayum struck a conciliatory tone. “The environment is cordial. I have instructed my supporters to avoid past political hostility. Let the people decide.”
Both candidates are confident of victory. Nahid believes the “youth wave” will favour the NCP alliance and its Shapla Koli (Water Lily Bud) symbol, and urged voters to cast a “Yes” vote in the referendum.
Quayum, meanwhile, appealed to voters to choose a “tested representative” with a proven service record.
Dhaka-11 has 439,078 voters -- 222,877 men, 216,198 women, and three hijra voters.
Other contenders include Sheikh Md Fazle Bari Masud (Islami Andolan Bangladesh), Md Arifur Rahman (Gono Odhikar Parishad), Md Abdul Quader (Gono Forum), Shamim Ahmed (Jatiya Party), Md Zakir Hossain (Bangladesh Republican Party), Md Mizanur Rahman (NPP), Kazi Md Shahidullah (Muktijote), and independent candidate Kohinoor Akter Bithi.
