As the 13th general election draws near, the key constituency of Dhaka‑2 (covering parts of Keraniganj and Savar) is witnessing a high‑stakes campaign. A fierce three‑way battle has emerged among the probable candidates of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat‑e‑Islami Bangladesh (Jamaat) and the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP).

Active Parties: BNP & Jamaat

So far, the two most visible contestants are those backed by BNP and Jamaat. In many areas of the constituency, the landscape is covered with banners, posters, billboards and decorative archways. Voter enthusiasm — visible after a long interval — is also notable.

On the BNP front, the focus is on Irfan Ibne Aman “Ami”, the son of veteran BNP leader and party adviser to the Chairperson, Amanullah Aman. Although Amanullah Aman himself remains a possible candidate, widespread speculation among local party activists suggests that Ami will ultimately receive the party nomination.

Meanwhile, Jamaat has taken a lead with its candidate finalized: Engineer Taufiq Hassan. A former student leader at BUET and retired Upazila Engineer with LGED, Taufiq has launched an active campaign, organizing women’s outreach meetings, door‑to‑door leaflet distribution and establishing election‑centre‑based committees.

NCP’s Emerging Presence

Though the NCP has not yet officially announced its candidate for Dhaka‑2, it is fielding a serious challenge. The frontrunner is Hasnat Abdullah, the party’s chief organiser for the south region. Other hopefuls include central member Md Imran Hossain and Keraniganj main coordinator Md Jabed. The party is already active locally with programmes such as street processions, discounted‑goods distribution, tree‑planting drives, campaigns to prevent child‑marriage, blood‑donation and free medical camps.

Local Priorities: Infrastructure & Gas Crisis

Residents of the constituency say their foremost concerns are persistent gas supply interruptions and deteriorating road infrastructure. Many rely on cylinders for daily cooking; yet they still pay meter bills. Especially problematic is the severe traffic jam on the route from the Bachila Bridge to Mohammadpur, used by commuters every day.

Ghataarchar resident Abu Abdullah said:

“Jamaat is working behind the scenes, BNP overtly. This time it will be a fierce fight.”

Another vendor, Russel, outside the Bhatar‑char bus stand observed:

“I go from Mirpur for business daily. We want the Bachila–Mohammadpur road fixed — that’s what everyone wants.”

Absence of Awami League Campaigning

Though the Awami League has no visible campaign activity, its voters remain in the area. Many believe that the AL vote may tip the result quietly via hidden ballots or low‑profile mobilisation.

Within BNP: Final Word with Aman

Local BNP activists continue to see Amanullah Aman as the party’s influential figure here. As one seasonal trader in Kolatia Market, Faisal, put it:

“BNP means Minister Sahib. Minister Sahib means BNP.”
Although his son Ami appears front‑and‑centre in campaigning, insiders say the final nomination will reflect Aman’s decision — and everyone in the area will fall in line with whom he backs.

Jamaat’s Promise & Campaign Profile

Taufiq Hassan says:

“We are on a mission to build a corruption‑ and extortion‑free society. We will solve the gas crisis, and improve roads and bridges.”
He added that, as an engineer, he plans to build three bridges linking Dhaka with surrounding areas (including the Bachila region).

Seat History & Voter Statistics

The Dhaka‑2 constituency has a total of 566,591 voters — including 272,655 women, 293,924 men, and 12 third‑gender voters (according to the latest provisional list).
Since 1991, the undivided Keraniganj seat (now part of Dhaka‑2) was monopolised by Amanullah Aman, who won multiple elections by large margins. He skipped the 2008 election due to legal issues; his son Ami contested under the “Dhaneer Shish” symbol in 2018 but lost heavily to Md Kamrul Islam of the Awami League (who took 339,581 votes) while Ami secured only 47,195. BNP then alleged widespread rigging.

Conclusion

All signs point to a three‑way race in Dhaka‑2. While BNP retains a strong organisational base, Jamaat’s well‑prepared campaign and NCP’s emerging heavy‑weight have significantly raised the stakes. As election day approaches, the heat in this constituency is set to rise — and the outcome remains far from certain.