Dhaka-14: Rebel candidate adds twist

The 13th parliamentary election is shaping up as a three-way contest in Dhaka-14, with independent candidate Syed Abu Bakar Siddique Saju shaking up the BNP-Jamaat battle. His entry has introduced an unexpected twist, challenging both party nominees and reshaping local voter dynamics.
Alongside BNP’s Sanjida Islam Tulee and Jamaat nominee Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, also known as Arman, independent candidate Saju, has emerged as a strong challenger in the constituency.
Dhaka-14 covers parts of two union of Savar upazila – Kaundia and Bonogoan – and wards 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 under the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). 
According to the Election Commission, the constituency has 456,044 voters, including 232,066 males, 223,974 females and 4 third gender ones, an increase by 37,832 than 418,212 during the 12th parliamentary polls.
Five-time MP and BNP central executive committee member Md SA Khaleque passed away on 5 January last year. Many local leaders and party workers prepared to support his son Saju, popularly known as AB Siddique Saju, as the BNP candidate.
But the BNP finally nominated Tulee, organiser of "Mayer Daak", which has been working for years with families affected by political violence and enforced disappearances during the Awami League regime.
 Jamaat fielded Barrister Arman, son of a former central leader and founder president of Islami Chhatra Shibir Mir Qusem Ali, who was a victim of enforced disappearance during the Awami League government.
Meanwhile, Siddique Saju decided to contest the polls independently after failing to get the party ticket.
Campaigning is now in full swing across Mirpur’s Kalyanpur, Darus Salam, Rupnagar Residential Area, Mazar Road, Radio Colony, West Agargaon, and parts of Mirpur-1 and Mirpur-2. Posters, leaflets and door-to-door outreach indicate that all three major candidates enjoy nearly equal visibility on the ground. 
Local resident Ratan Chowdhury of Darus Salam said, "This time, voters are moving away from the practice of voting only by party symbols. People are willing to vote for a capable candidate who has experience in running the country and a connection with the local people."
Young businessman Saiful Islam from Rupnagar said, "There are three shops belonging to me, my elder brother and my father on three nearby roads. Every week, we have to pay around Tk400 from each shop as extortion. I want to run my business smoothly. Whoever gets elected, our main demand will be to an end to extortion." 

Local BNP leaders and activists said many long-term residents of the area are backing Siddique Saju. They said there are no allegations against the party-nominated candidate. While Tulee is respected, Siddique Saju is more familiar and connected with the community. 
Tea seller Lucky Begum of Mirpur-2 said her tea stall has turned into a lively centre of election discussions. "We are poor people. We do not really bother which party comes to power. We will vote for the candidate who works to make our lives easier," she said.
She added, "Both BNP and Jamaat have strong support here. But independent candidate Saju also has many supporters. People know him very well. On the other hand, many voters are getting to know Tulee newly."
Another resident Jalal Uddin, who works in a corporate house, said, "There will be a close fight between BNP nominee and the rebel candidate. This may split BNP's vote bank, giving Jamaat an advantage." Shukkur Ali of Mazar Road added, "All candidates approach us before elections, but many forget after the win. Tulee is campaigning actively every day. Barrister Arman has loyal voters because of his party's ideology."
Other candidates contesting the seat include Md Abu Yusuf of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Riaz Uddin of the Communist Party of Bangladesh, Md Jasim Uddin of Gono Forum, Md Sohel Rana of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Mohammad Moniruzzaman of the AB Party, Nurul Amin of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Md Helal Uddin of the Jatiya Party, Md Liton of the Bangladesh Republican Party and Md Osman Ali of the Bangladesh Supreme Party.
Regarding the electoral code of conduct, Mohammad Jalal Uddin, DNCC regional executive officer and assistant returning officer, told the Daily Sun that all candidates must follow the code of conduct. Any violation of the law or rules will be strictly handled. 
He added, "Ensuring voter safety is everyone's responsibility, and we must work together for a fair and participatory election."
The reporter can be reached at: [email protected]