With just a day left before voting, election fever has gripped Chattogram’s historic Hazari Goli – a commercial enclave long identified with the Hindu community – where business buzz now shares space with animated conversations on ballots, candidates, and expectations.
Falling under the Chattogram-9 constituency, Hazari Goli is renowned for its clusters of gold shops, jewellery outlets, and stores selling puja items and religious goods. Despite the usual rush of wholesale and retail trade, election talk dominates shop floors, sidewalks, and tea-stall addas alike.
Rajib Biswas, a small trader and Chattogram-9 voter, said he is determined to cast his ballot this time. He noted that several candidates, including those backed by BNP and Jamaat, had reached out to voters in the area.
“I have decided I will vote,” he said, declining to reveal his preferred choice.
Mintu Das, another businessman, is preparing to travel to his hometown in Maheshkhali under Cox’s Bazar-2 constituency. Having already made his electoral decision, he said distance would not deter participation.
“Voting is a civic duty. Even if travel is difficult, I will go,” he said.
Determined not to miss out
A street vendor from Faridpur Sadar, who sells roasted snacks in Hazari Goli, echoed the sentiment. He plans to leave with his wife on the eve of polling day, recalling regret over missing previous elections.
“If I can vote, it feels good; like I’ve exercised my right,” he said.
Shafita Dutta and Smriti Das, both voters of Chattogram-9, said they intend to head to polling centres early in the morning, as they did in past elections, to avoid crowds and vote without hassle.
Busy schedules, firm resolve
Conversations with locals suggest that while political preferences vary, enthusiasm for voting remains high. Many traders are booking advance tickets, closing business early, or reorganising work schedules to ensure they can return to their constituencies in time.
Final preparations underway
The final day of campaigning concludes today. Voting is scheduled to begin at 7:30 am on the 12th, with authorities saying preparations for a peaceful election are nearly complete.
Across Chattogram city and district, polling will be held in 16 parliamentary constituencies with a total of 6,682,517 voters – up from 6,314,317 in the previous general election. Of them, 3,483,887 are men, 3,198,560 women, and 70 third-gender voters.
Amid Hazari Goli’s familiar commercial rhythm, one subject now eclipses all others – the vote – carrying a blend of expectation, responsibility, and cautious hope among minority community members.
