Prior to the upcoming 13th national election set for February 12, voters residing in the Chattogram-6 (Raozan) constituency are expressing significant apprehension regarding security issues.
The electoral competition in this area showcases a number of prominent candidates, such as BNP’s Giasuddin Kader Chowdhury (sheaf of paddy), Jamaat-e-Islami’s Shahjahan Manju (scales), Bangladesh Islami Front’s Principal Allama Ilias Noori (candle), and Ganosamhati Andolon’s Nasiruddin Talukder (mathal–farmer’s cap).
All four contenders have been actively engaging in campaigning, pledging to establish a secure and peaceful environment in Raozan, devoid of violence and extortion. Yet, for a considerable portion of the electorate, safety concerns have taken precedence over campaign symbols and rhetoric.
Recent disturbing events spanning the past 50 days, which reportedly include the deliberate setting on fire of at least 12 Hindu households during late hours with occupants trapped inside, have instilled fear throughout the upazila. Local residents suspect that economically challenged Hindu families are being targeted intentionally.
Out of approximately 3.5 lakh eligible voters in the upazila, nearly 95,000 belong to the Hindu community, constituting a significant voting bloc.
Sunil Das, a 59-year-old grocery store owner, expressed, “Those behind the arson incidents remain unidentified. Fear has deprived us of peaceful sleep at night.”
Another resident, Griha Bishwas, stated, “We desire to support a candidate who views individuals as humans, not through the prism of religion. If the situation stabilizes, we will exercise our voting rights.”
Within the last 18 months since August 5, 2024, Raozan has witnessed a minimum of 20 fatalities and over a hundred gunfire-related episodes. Consequently, uncertainties linger among voters regarding the safety of casting their votes.
“The community here primarily seeks security. We aim for a Member of Parliament who does not harbor any armed factions,” remarked Aminul Islam, a rickshaw puller.
Anwar Hossain, a farmer, expressed discontent regarding overarching policy inadequacies impacting livelihoods. “Despite farmers receiving complimentary fertilizers and seeds under the previous administration, the genuine benefits eluded us. Agriculture never emerged as a top priority for the current or preceding governments,” he highlighted.
As outlined by the Chattogram district administration, 37 out of the 95 polling stations in Raozan upazila have been flagged as susceptible to security threats.
Sajedul Islam, the officer-in-charge of Raozan Police Station, confirmed the implementation of additional security precautions at these designated polling locations.
