Election campaigning in the Dhaka-2 constituency has gathered pace both online and offline. Often with large processions, BNP candidate Md Amanullah Aman is touring every union in the constituency, comprising seven unions in Keraniganj upazila and three unions of Savar upazila on the outskirts of the capital.
Although campaigning with comparatively fewer supporters, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Md Abdul Haque has introduced a distinct approach through his election pledges and online outreach.
The constituency’s other contender, Islami Andolon candidate Md Jahirul Islam, is also active on the ground. Alongside regular leaflet distribution, he is going door to door seeking votes. All three candidates contesting the 13th parliamentary election from Dhaka-2 are firmly in the race.
On Tuesday, BNP candidate Amanullah Aman carried out extensive mass outreach in Tetuljhora Union of Savar. At the same time, his son Irfan Ibne Aman Omi has joined the campaign on behalf of his father, particularly targeting the younger generation. Irfan is also the organising secretary of Dhaka District BNP.
He is frequently seen as the chief guest at courtyard meetings organised by the BNP in Dhaka-2. Locals believe that, alongside his own campaign, Amanullah Aman is also grooming his successor as a future popular leader.
At street meetings held in Tetuljhora Union, Amanullah Aman is highlighting his past development initiatives. He is also pledging that, if re-elected, he will not only work for further development of the area but also ensure a peaceful living environment for local residents.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Md Abdul Haque has called for rejecting what he described as the conventional politics of the past 54 years. Labelling the prevailing political culture as “greed-driven politics”, he has promised to steer people out of the current situation.
The candidate is seen regularly shaking hands with people from all walks of life.
Alongside offline activities, Md Abdul Haque has also launched an extensive online campaign. His digital campaign stands out from those of the other two candidates, particularly through the use of short lyrical content and songs to convey various messages.
Like the other contenders, Islami Andolon candidate Md Jahirul Islam remains active in the field. On Tuesday, he campaigned in four unions. He has promised to voters that, if elected, he would make no compromises on Islam and Shariah in running the state.
Alongside campaigning, party leaders and activists are organising prayer gatherings at campaign offices for Md Jahirul Islam and conducting outreach activities in educational institutions. Female leaders and activists of Islami Andolon have also taken to the field to reach women voters in the area.
Sheikh Muhammad Sayem, president of Islami Chhatra Andolon Dhaka South district, has been taking part in Md Jahirul Islam’s campaign. He told TIMES of Bangladesh: “There is no regard for the electoral code of conduct in the constituency.
“The kind of protocol the BNP candidate has brought into the field in the name of security is affecting the election environment. Our party’s candidate has lodged complaints regarding violations of the code of conduct.”
