Voters demand security, stability over development in Dhaka-16

As the 13th parliamentary election draws closer, Dhaka-16 is witnessing a clear shift in voter priorities, with security and stability taking precedence over concrete-driven development.
While candidates continue vigorous door-to-door campaigning and promise development initiatives, residents are increasingly focused on issues of security, law and order, and access to basic utilities rather than large-scale infrastructure projects.
Dhaka-16 is comprised of wards 2, 3, 5, and 6 (Pallabi and Rupnagar) of the Dhaka North City Corporation. The constituency has 400,499 voters, including 201,168 males, 199,323 females and eight transgender ones. This diverse electorate is expected to play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the polls.
However, non-Bangalee voters, popularly known as “Biharis”, are expected to play a vital and potentially decisive role.
A significant number of non-Bangalee residents live in different parts of Pallabi and Rupnagar, and their collective voting pattern is often considered influential. 
A total of 11 candidates are contesting the seat, representing major and minor political parties. Although multiple candidates are in the race, voters believe the primary contest will take place between Md Aminul Haque of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), contesting with the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol, and Md Abdul Baten of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, contesting with the “Scale” symbol.
Since the constituency's formation in 2008, Ilyas Uddin Mollah of Awami League has dominated the seat, securing victories in the 2008, 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections. 
However, the current election is unfolding in a different political and social context, marked by heightened voter concern over safety and governance.
Despite visible infrastructure development over the years such as the metro rail, flyovers, and improved connectivity, voters say these achievements no longer address their most pressing problems. Instead, issues like extortion, terrorism, drug abuse, harassment, traffic mismanagement, and deteriorating law and order have become central to public discourse.
Residents argue that while the area appears modernised, daily life