With the election fast approaching, a spirited political atmosphere has engulfed the Dhaka-6 constituency.
The narrow streets of Sutrapur, Wari, and Gendaria in Old Dhaka are buzzing with parades, chants, and vigorous campaign activities.
Candidates are connecting with voters by pledging to address longstanding civic issues, as residents anticipate tangible changes through the upcoming polls.
Encompassing wards 34, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46 of the Dhaka South City Corporation, Dhaka-6 spans across Wari, Gendaria, Sutrapur, and parts of Kotwali thana.
This constituency is home to significant landmarks like Jagannath University, Sadarghat, Sayedabad Bus Terminal, Ahsan Manzil, Joykali Temple, Baldha Garden, Asgar Ali Medical College, Narinda, and Dhupkhola.
Local residents have highlighted the primary competition between the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami contenders.
Ishraque Hossain, the BNP candidate and son of the late Sadeque Hossain Khoka, a former Dhaka mayor and freedom fighter, is pitted against Abdul Mannan, fielded by Jamaat as a former student leader and assistant secretary of Dhaka City South Jamaat. Both candidates are actively campaigning and directly engaging with the electorate.
Residents note Ishraque’s strong appeal as a former mayoral candidate and youthful leader, drawing large crowds and holding rallies. In contrast, Mannan has focused on a structured, door-to-door campaign approach.
Local concerns revolve around issues such as gas and water shortages, congestion in Old Dhaka, traffic gridlocks in Sayedabad, pollution, and encroachment along the Buriganga River.
Prabhat Kumar Sur, a local businessman, expressed the challenges faced by Old Dhaka residents, emphasizing the longstanding issues that need sincere attention from elected representatives. He underlined the importance of candidates fulfilling their promises post-election.
Elderly voters have shown support for Ishraque due to his father’s legacy, while Mannan has garnered popularity among the younger demographic.
Mannan highlighted the positive response to his campaign, rejecting negative perceptions of Jamaat and emphasizing voters’ power to express their opinions through ballots.
If elected, Mannan aims to preserve heritage sites in Old Dhaka and transform them into tourist attractions, while also addressing pollution in the Buriganga and combatting extortion.
Critiquing Ishraque’s reliance on family legacy, Mannan emphasized the need for a new political approach that resonates with the younger generation.
Ishraque, citing the hardships faced by his family, distanced himself from hereditary politics, vowing to establish his own identity through hard work and dedication.
If elected, Ishraque plans to tackle illegal road occupations, improve traffic flow through bus route organization, promote youth vocational training and IT startups, and enhance services for women in public transport.
Addressing voters, Ishraque expressed confidence in his ability to bring about positive change if given the opportunity.
Additional candidates in the constituency include Ahmed Ali Sheikh (Gono Front), Md Fakhrul Islam (Gono Odhikar Parishad), Yunus Ali Akond (Bangladesh Congress), Md Akter Hossain (Bangladesh Muslim League), and Amir Uddin Ahmed Dalu (Jatiya Party).
Dhaka-6 has a total of 292,283 eligible voters, comprising 152,519 men,
