Civic woes dominate election discourse in Dhaka-6

With only three days left before the 12 February national polls, the Dhaka-6 constituency – comprising Old Dhaka’s Sutrapur, Wari, Gandaria and parts of the Kotwali police station area – has been abuzz with election talk, from congested tea stalls to narrow alleyways.
Seven candidates, including BNP’s Ishraque Hossain, who has been under the spotlight since his participation in the mayoral race during the Awami League regime, are contesting the seat.
The candidates are trying to woo around three lakh voters in the constituency, which has long been marred by complaints over inadequate civic facilities, including shortages of gas and water and a lack of a modern traffic system.
Munna, who grew up in the Lokkhibazar area, said, “Governments have changed over the years, but real development has not reached this area. Whoever wins should prioritise Old Dhaka’s development.
“We’re fed up with seeing the roads dug up every year and waterlogging. We need a permanent solution to this,” Munna added.
Highlighting the lack of open spaces in Old Dhaka, Rabeya Akter, a housewife, said, “Old Dhaka is extremely crowded. There is barely any space to take children out in the afternoon. Whoever wins should ensure playgrounds for children.”
Sahida Akter, another resident of the constituency, wanted solutions to basic civic problems. “We will vote for whoever ensures facilities like resolving the gas problem and the traffic problem,” she said.
Abdullah, a local trader, said that whoever wins the election must be vigilant and approachable to all citizens even after the polls.
 “Candidates come to us now because they need votes. But after the election, we should still be able to reach them when we need support.”
On field visits to different parts of the constituency reveals that BNP- and Jamaat-nominated candidates are in the forefront in campaign visibility, as banners and posters of them dominate the streets.
Bangladesh Congress-nominated candidate Md Yunus Ali Akand alleged that his supporters are in fear and facing obstacles in carrying out election campaigning. Expressing doubts about the possibility of a free and fair election, he said that he would work to establish the rule of law if elected.
Bangladesh Muslim League’s candidate Md Aktar Hossain also claimed that he is unable to carry out election campaigning properly due to a lack of adequate funds. “We are not able to fully convey our messages,” he said. “We want to establish the rule of law and ensure accountability of elected representatives.”
Gano Front candidate Ahmed Ali Sheikh said they are campaigning by sharing their plans with voters. He said, “We are reaching out to voters as much as possible. Our main goal is to raise awareness about helping voters prepare family budgets, empowering their children, and educating them to grow up as responsible citizens.”
Meanwhile, Gono Odhikar Parishad candidate Md Fakhrul Islam is campaigning in support of BNP candidate Ishraque Hossain. He said, “I am working for our alliance’s candidate, Ishraque Hossain, following the party’s decision.”
Alleging that there is a lack of level playing field, Jatiya Party’s Amir Uddin Ahmed said, “If I am elected, I want to prioritise solving the gas crisis. In addition, I will work to eliminate drugs and ease traffic congestion.”
Meanwhile, Jamaat-backed candidate Dr Mohammad Abdul Mannan has unveiled a 14-point manifesto, with key pledges including eliminating extortion and drugs, reclaiming the Buriganga River from illegal encroachment, building a greener Dhaka-6, and promoting planned urban development.
“We must establish a transparent and accountable society,” he said. He also pledged initiatives to address gas shortages and traffic congestion. “Together, we will move the neglected Dhaka-6 forward,” he added.
BNP-nominated candidate Ishraque Hossain is also campaigning by pledging to solve basic civic problems. Earlier, at an election rally, he pledged to free Old Dhaka from waterlogging, the gas crisis and drugs, saying that if elected he would remain committed to resolving all problems. “If BNP comes to power, drugs will be eradicated from Bangladesh, and Old Dhaka, like the rest of the country, will be made drug-free,” he said.