Barristar Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, on Saturday sought support for the party’s "Sheaf of Paddy" symbol ahead of the 12 February national election.She actively campaigned across Gulshan, personally engaging with voters, distributing leaflets, and urging pedestrians, rickshaw pullers, shopkeepers, and office workers to vote for her father.Tarique Rahman is contesting the election from Dhaka-17, a constituency that includes Dhaka’s Cantonment, Gulshan, Banani, Niketan, Mohakhali, Baridhara and Shahjadpur.Starting from Police Plaza in Gulshan at noon, Zaima toured several streets, offices, banks and shopping malls.
As the country heads toward the upcoming national parliamentary election, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) nominee SM Jahangir has emerged as an active and visible contender in the Dhaka-18 constituency. Jahangir currently serves as the Joint Convener of BNP Dhaka North Metropolitan Unit and has been carrying out extensive grassroots-level campaigning since the beginning of the election season. During visits to various areas of Dhaka-18, it was observed that SM Jahangir has been going door to door, directly engaging with voters and presenting his political agenda. Local residents say he is a familiar face in the constituency and is widely regarded as a tested grassroots leader with long-standing involvement in local politics. Many voters believe that his current position in the electoral race is relatively strong.
Experience of a Long Political Career
According to party sources, SM Jahangir has been actively involved in BNP politics for decades. Throughout his political career, he has faced repression, legal cases, and imprisonment. Despite these challenges, he has remained loyal to the party and did not step away from political engagement during difficult times.
Local BNP leaders say that even during politically challenging periods, Jahangir maintained close communication with party activists and remained involved in organizational activities. Due to his consistent loyalty and commitment, he is considered a trusted and familiar figure among the party’s central leadership.
Grassroots Outreach and Personal Rapport
One of SM Jahangir’s key strengths in the election campaign appears to be his personal conduct and strong relationship with local residents. Voters describe him as polite, approachable, and well-mannered, qualities that have made him widely acceptable across different segments of the constituency.
Several voters in Dhaka-18 said they have seen Jahangir standing beside people during times of social and personal difficulty. Whether checking on the sick, attending community events, or maintaining personal contact beyond political affiliations, he has built a reputation as an accessible and people-oriented leader.
Electoral Competition and Political Calculations
In Dhaka-18, SM Jahangir’s main rival is Ariful Islam, the candidate of the National Citizen Party (NCP). However, conversations with local voters suggest that Jahangir is currently ahead in the electoral race, at least in terms of visibility, recognition, and grassroots support.
Some voters believe that Jahangir’s long-standing political involvement and continuous presence in the field have given him an edge over his competitors. According to them, familiarity and consistent engagement often play a crucial role in influencing voter decisions.
Political analysts, however, caution that the final outcome will depend on several factors, including voter turnout on election day, the overall political environment, and last-minute campaign dynamics.
Confidence Among Party Activists
Local BNP activists express strong confidence in SM Jahangir’s leadership. They say that throughout his political journey, he has never betrayed the party or its grassroots workers. Even during periods of repression, he did not change his political position, which has further strengthened trust among party members.
A local BNP leader stated, “He endured imprisonment and legal harassment but never abandoned the party. He stood by the activists in difficult times. This is something grassroots workers value deeply.”
Relationship with Central Leadership
Party insiders say that SM Jahangir’s loyalty, organizational experience, and long-term involvement in party activities have earned him recognition among BNP’s senior leadership. His active participation in various organizational programs and his experience in handling responsibilities are seen as factors that have helped strengthen his position in the electoral field.
Voters’ Expectations
Discussions with voters indicate that residents of Dhaka-18 expect their elected representative to focus on local development, civic services, and political stability. Many believe that as a seasoned grassroots politician, SM Jahangir has a clear understanding of the constituency’s problems and priorities.
One voter remarked, “He understands the problems of the area. We have seen him not only during election time but even before. That familiarity matters to us.”
What Lies Ahead
The election in Dhaka-18 has generated noticeable interest among local residents. SM Jahangir continues his door-to-door campaigning, while rival candidates are also intensifying their outreach efforts.
Overall, based on the views of a section of local voters, SM Jahangir appears to be in a relatively strong position at this stage of the campaign. However, as observers note, the final decision rests with the voters on election day, who will ultimately determine the next Member of Parliament for Dhaka-18.
