Dhaka-17 and Dhaka-18 have become two of the most fiercely contested constituencies in the capital, as heavyweight politicians battle for control over areas marked by vast slum populations and strategically crucial entry points into Dhaka.
Dhaka-17, home to two of the capital’s largest slum settlements, is witnessing a high-profile showdown between BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and Jamaat-e-Islami’s SM Khaliduzzaman, while in Dhaka-18 – considered a key gateway into Dhaka – BNP nominee SM Jahangir Hossain is locked in a contest with 11-party alliance candidate Ariful Islam Adib.
Campaign activity in both constituencies has intensified in recent days, with candidates and supporters focusing on door-to-door outreach, street rallies, and leaflet distribution, as observed by our correspondents on Friday.
In Dhaka-17, BNP’s campaign has fanned out across the constituency, particularly in Korail and Bhasantek, with more than a hundred party and affiliated groups mobilised to support Tarique Rahman as he continues nationwide campaigning.
BNP member Mir Arshadul Hoque, campaigning under the supervision of BNP chairperson’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee special assistant Saimum Parvez, said teams have been split into small groups, going door to door to explain Tarique’s plans.
He added that voters are responding positively, while alleging that Jamaat supporters are spreading rumours that Tarique would evict slum residents – a claim BNP leaders reject, saying he aims to improve living standards through better institutions and infrastructure.
Tarique’s rival, Jamaat’s SM Khaliduzzaman, is campaigning aggressively online and offline, promising to curb “extortion” in the area through his speeches and through publishing fictional contents online, to strengthen his appeal.
In Dhaka-18, BNP’s SM Jahangir Hossain and 11-party alliance nominee Ariful Islam Adib are campaigning at full speed.
On Friday, Jahangir handed out leaflets at Ward 1 Park in Uttara, while Ariful Islam led a post-prayer rally at the IES Mosque, engaging directly with voters.
Supporters of the 11-party alliance alleged harassment of female campaigners and other obstacles, claims BNP backers dismissed as a tactic to destabilise the election environment, while the BNP candidate rejected the allegations, saying any misconduct should be dealt with by the authorities.
Meanwhile, Nagorik Oikya president Mahmudur Rahman Manna is also contesting from the seat, but his on-ground presence remains minimal, limited to a few volunteers distributing leaflets to raise his profile.
