Tasnim Jara promises to solve problems in Dhaka-9 thru election manifesto

Independent candidate Tasnim Jara has announced her election manifesto for the Dhaka-9 constituency—comprising Khilgaon, Sabujbagh, and Mugda—ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election.

Jara, contesting with the football symbol, unveiled her detailed plan through a Facebook post on Saturday, pledging to end civic deprivation and transform Dhaka-9 into a modern and livable urban area.

“I am not a professional politician; I am a daughter of this area,” she said. “My message is clear: the days of neglect for Dhaka-9 are over. We pay the same taxes, and we deserve equal rights. This time, we will claim what is rightfully ours.”

Gas, Roads, and Waterlogging: A Livable Dhaka-9

Jara highlighted chronic problems such as gas shortages despite regular billing, waterlogging, waste mismanagement, and dilapidated roads.

She described billing without service as “a form of deception” and pledged to introduce a “No Service, No Bill” principle in parliament, ensuring that utility providers cannot charge residents without delivering services.

She also promised to break LPG price syndicates by compelling the government to ensure fair-priced LPG supply in areas affected by pipeline gas failures, modernise drainage systems, ensure timely road repairs with strict deadlines, and improve waste management through modern secondary transfer stations and upgraded parks.

Healthcare: Ending Neglect

Pointing to the pressure on Mugda Medical College Hospital—the only major hospital serving an estimated 700,000 to 800,000 residents—Jara said the current situation was unacceptable.

She pledged to work closely with the Ministry of Health to recruit adequate staff, ensure modern equipment, and hold hospital authorities accountable.

Her manifesto also includes upgrading community clinics into “mini-hospitals,” establishing a year-round dengue task force focused on larva control and drainage maintenance, and ensuring affordable maternity care and women-friendly facilities, including breastfeeding spaces and clean toilets.

Public Safety: Reclaiming Streets from Drug Syndicates

Jara raised concerns about drug syndicates controlling neighborhoods and the lack of safety for women after dark.

To address this, she proposed creating “safe corridors” with CCTV cameras and high-capacity street lighting near schools, colleges, and garment factories.

She vowed zero tolerance for drug traffickers while ensuring treatment and rehabilitation for drug users, and promised to work with transport authorities to ensure reserved seating and safer public transport for women.

Education: Ending Experimentation on Students

Criticising frequent curriculum changes and alleged admission irregularities, Jara pledged to abolish any MP quota or recommendations in school admissions.

“Merit and transparency will be the only criteria,” she said.

She also proposed using her MP allocation to establish modern science labs, libraries, language clubs, and coding programs in schools, alongside a focus on mental health, extracurricular activities, AI education, and strengthening parent-teacher forums.

She vowed to advocate for better pay and dignity for teachers and stricter monitoring to prevent bullying.

Economy and Livelihoods: Opportunity Beyond Wealth

Addressing youth unemployment and barriers to entrepreneurship, Jara announced plans to launch a “Start-up Dhaka-9” fund to provide seed capital to young entrepreneurs, pushing for easy, collateral-free loans.

She also pledged to establish subsidised community daycare centers in every ward to support working mothers, ensure fair wages and legal protection for workers in the informal sector, and provide e-commerce training and online market access for local entrepreneurs.

Accountability: An Accessible MP

Criticising the culture of absentee lawmakers, Jara promised to open a permanent constituency office within one month of being elected, with extended hours to accommodate working residents.

She also proposed a public digital dashboard to track the status of citizen complaints and pledged to eliminate bureaucratic barriers for accessing her office.

“I am not a seasonal visitor. I am your daughter,” she said.

Concluding her manifesto, Jara said she entered politics after the July mass uprising with a commitment to transparent and principled leadership.

“This manifesto is not empty rhetoric—it is a contract with you,” she said.

She urged voters to give “a doctor who knows where the disease lies and which medicine works” an opportunity to serve, promising leadership that stands by people in times of need and protects their dignity.