Jamaat ameer tests his strength in Dhaka-15

The Dhaka-15 seat in the capital has gained special significance in the 13th parliamentary election with strong campaigning, political tension, and increased attention from voters regarding the candidates’ honesty, accessibility and policy commitments.
The constituency, which includes parts of Kafrul and Mirpur, is seeing a direct contest between Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman and BNP candidate Safiqul Islam Khan Milton, making what was once seen as a BNP stronghold a nationally important battleground.
In addition, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) candidate Dr Sajedul Huq Rubel said that this is essentially a historic struggle in support of the spirit of the Liberation War and against anti-Liberation forces.
Aggressive campaigning on the ground
Both BNP and Jamaat have intensified their grassroots drive from day one of campaigning, with efforts increasing step by step. Jamaat activists, including a large number of female volunteers, are conducting door-to-door outreach, highlighting issues of governance, justice and accountability, while BNP candidate Milton has been personally engaging with residents, shopkeepers and commuters across the constituency, emphasising local development and sustained public engagement.
Voters across Shewrapara, Kazipara, Taltola and Paikpara suggested a noticeable shift in voter behaviour, as many said that they were no longer motivated by party loyalty alone, but were evaluating candidates based on integrity, accessibility and realistic policy commitments.
Traffic congestion, waterlogging, public safety, employment generation and youth skill development have emerged as key concerns for voters.
Shahjahan Mia, a school teacher from the Pirerbagh area, told the Daily Sun, “I will vote for the candidate I believe will be available and listen to us after the election.”
Tensions and allegations
There have been clashes between supporters of BNP and Jamaat. Moreover, there are allegations of election rule violations by different parties, such as trying to influence voters or harassing people. However, both the BNP and Jamaat have denied wrongdoing and accused each other of attempting to influence the election environment.
Law enforcement agencies stated that they are monitoring the situation closely and will take action against any breach of election rules.
Out of 351,718 registered voters in Dhaka-15, nearly 49% are women, making female participation a key factor. Both major candidates have placed particular emphasis on issues affecting women, including security, social protection and access to services.
Besides, first-time voters could also significantly influence the final result.
Ashrafi Begum, a banker living in the Taltola area, said, “Women voters are always a puzzling factor. They can change the election result at any time.”
A test of trust
Analysts said that Jamaat’s candidate in the area is well known nationally as the party’s leader, while the BNP candidate banks on the party’s strength in that particular area with close connections to voters.
BNP candidate Milton said that the party will win the Dhaka-15 constituency by a huge margin because the party leaders and activists are united and the campaign is receiving a huge response. Moreover, local people want a candidate from their own area, and BNP has given them that opportunity.
He also alleged that Jamaat’s campaign is violating election rules, saying that the party is collecting bKash numbers from voters, which is clearly a breach of electoral conduct.
On the other hand, Jamaat has deployed its full organisational strength to ensure Dr Shafiqur Rahman’s victory in this constituency.
Ward No. 14 Jamaat Ameer Ishak Khan Naim brushed aside BNP’s allegations, saying that, “Our ameer is contesting in this constituency, and the allegations made are groundless. We have been able to reach ordinary voters, and there is strong support from them.” CPB candidate Dr Sajedul Huq Rubel said that “This is a battle between those who support Bangladesh and those who support Pakistan. The people in this constituency will show that they have not forgotten 1971.” He expressed hope that if the pro-Liberation forces can turn their support into votes, a “silent ballot revolution” could begin from the Dhaka-15 seat.
Other candidates for the Dhaka-15 seat are CPB’s Dr Sajedul Huq Rubel, Jonotar Dal’s Khan Shoaib Aman Ullah, Bangladesh Supreme Party’s Mobarak Hossain, Bangladesh Jasod’s Md Ashfaqur Rahman, Jatiya Party’s Md Samsul Haque and Amjonotar Dal’s Md Nilav Parvez. They are also conducting election campaigns independently.