Tasnim Jara, the prominent independent candidate for the Dhaka-9 constituency, has shared her post-election reflections, congratulating the winning BNP. In a detailed social media post on Friday, she pledged that she would serve as a “constructive force” in the future.
“I congratulate the BNP on their victory in the national election,” Jara stated. “I also congratulate Habibur Rashid Habib, the winning candidate for Dhaka-9. I personally telephoned him last night (Thursday) to convey my best wishes.”
She expressed optimism for their success in the interest of the people of Dhaka-9 and Bangladesh, adding that her team would support initiatives for public welfare while remaining vocal against any decisions harmful to the people.
Jara identified the extensive participation of women in her campaign as a significant milestone. She observed that the quality of discussion improves when women are present at the decision-making table.
Addressing young girls who followed her campaign, she urged them not to fear dreaming, stating, “You also have a right to the seat of power.”
Gratitude to volunteers
Describing campaign volunteers as the “heartbeat of clean politics,” Jara praised the rare example of political activism set by ordinary citizens.
Encouraging them not to be disheartened, she remarked, “You have won the hearts of the people, and that is the most difficult victory in politics.”
Commitment to remaining in Bangladesh Refuting rumours of a return to the United Kingdom following the election, Jara clarified, “I am not going anywhere. My roots are in this soil, and my work is here.”
She emphasised that her journey, aimed at changing political culture, was not for a single election but for the long term.
A message on clean politics Jara noted that her campaign proved it is possible to win hearts through “clean” methods, but admitted that such politics must become more robust to survive.
She stressed the importance of having courageous polling agents at every booth and conscious citizens outside centres on election day. “To protect a peaceful political model, we must build a stronger organisation capable of facing any intimidation,” she said.
Gratitude for the electoral process Acknowledging the role of the “fearless July warriors” whose street protests made the current “taste of democracy” possible, Jara thanked Professor Yunus, his team, and the Election Commission.
She described the organisation of a credible election during such a complex period as an essential yet difficult responsibility for the nation’s democratic survival.
Jara’s future plans
Jara characterised the more than 44,000 votes she received as a “massive foundation”. “Our campaign and the results have proven that people want clean politics. We have managed to break the old political patterns.
We will continue our work to rebuild Dhaka-9 and Bangladesh,” she stated, concluding her post by saying, “Our best time is yet to come.”
In the unofficial results for the Dhaka-9 constituency in the 13th parliamentary election, BNP candidate Habibur Rashid emerged victorious with the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol, securing 111,212 votes.
His nearest rival, Mohammad Javed Mia of the NCP, received 53,460 votes. Independent candidate Tasnim Jara, contesting with the “Football” symbol, secured 44,684 votes.
