The Dhaka-2 parliamentary constituency—comprising Keraniganj and parts of Savar, adjacent to the capital—has long been known as a BNP stronghold. Yet the Awami League held onto the seat for several consecutive terms. This time, however, political dynamics have shifted, and the BNP appears to have regained its organizational strength in the area. Former MP and State Minister Amanullah Aman has secured the BNP nomination for this seat, earning strong confidence from party workers and local voters.
Despite this renewed strength, a sense of frustration and deprivation is palpable among some BNP activists, raising concerns that part of the party’s vote bank may drift elsewhere.
Anger Among Long-Time BNP Activists
A field visit across the Dhaka-2 constituency revealed dissatisfaction among many BNP workers. Those who have stood by the party over the past 17 years—facing lawsuits, arrests, and political persecution—now feel disregarded. According to them, following the July uprising, newcomers have been given priority, while dedicated grassroots activists remain neglected.
Some worry that such resentment may be reflected in the ballot box.
Residents noted that the constituency has over six lakh voters, with the number of male voters approximately 15,000 higher than female voters. Though the Awami League traditionally maintains a sizable vote bank here, their absence from this election could result in their votes splitting among other candidates.
Jamaat-e-Islami does not have a strong support base in this constituency, but locals noted that the party’s vote has increased compared to previous years. Even if Jamaat cannot challenge a heavyweight like Amanullah Aman, they are expected to perform better than before.
Amanullah Aman’s Strong Position
Amanullah Aman—a four-time MP, BNP Chairperson’s adviser, former state minister, former DUCSU VP, and a key leader of the 1990 anti-autocracy movement—holds considerable influence in the Keraniganj region. Though formerly elected from Dhaka-3, the redrawn boundaries now place him within Dhaka-2, an area he previously represented.
In 2018 he was barred from contesting due to a corruption conviction, and his son, Barrister Irfan Ibn Aman, ran in his place. This year there were rumors that either Aman or his son would receive the BNP nomination. Ultimately, the central leadership selected Aman, a decision that has been welcomed by most voters and local BNP activists, many of whom believe his victory is almost assured.
At a tea stall in Atibazar, 60-year-old Nazrul Islam told this reporter from Dhaka Mail,
“We wanted Aman, not his son. Amon is the leader we grew up with. Why would we accept the son as leader when the father is still here?”
Several others echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence that Aman will once again win by a large margin, as he did in 1991.
Internal Grievances Remain
Despite Aman’s advantage, a significant segment of BNP supporters is resentful. Residents of Madhucity, Nayabazar, and Kalatia said that after the July uprising, new faces suddenly emerged in leadership positions, sidelining long-standing party activists. As a result, some loyal supporters feel discouraged and are leaning toward other parties.
Aynal Haque (pseudonym), a longtime BNP activist who spent years facing cases and living away from home, said,
“No one values us anymore. The newcomers are being given all the importance. Even Aman’s household aides are being placed in the front rows. Many of our votes will go elsewhere because of this.”
He is not alone—many experienced activists feel similarly overlooked and are gradually withdrawing from party activities.
Position of Jamaat and NCP Candidates
Jamaat-e-Islami has nominated Engineer Tawfiq Hasan, a BUET graduate and former LGED engineer. He has begun campaigning and is well-known in some local circles. Although Jamaat is the second-strongest campaigner in the area after BNP, residents believe their candidate will not make a significant impact due to the party’s limited vote bank.
The National Citizen Party (NCP) has fielded a young new candidate named Julkar Nine. However, most locals appear unfamiliar with him. Many even asked the reporter who he was and which party he represents. His promotional activities are mostly limited to social media, and little physical campaigning has been observed in Atibazar, Nayabazar, or Hazratpur.
Constituency Flooded With Posters and Banners
With the Awami League absent from the race, the primary contest in Dhaka-2 is expected to be between the BNP and Jamaat candidates. Both parties have launched intense campaigns, covering marketplaces, intersections, and roadsides with banners and posters. Large entry gates and billboards have appeared in several locations.
Candidates are also actively holding meetings, rallies, courtyard gatherings, and public discussions—activities that locals say they are witnessing with enthusiasm after nearly 17 years.
Amanullah Aman’s promotional presence is clearly the strongest across the constituency, with Jamaat’s Engineer Tawfiq Hasan in a distant second. Jamaat’s campaign relies mostly on small posters rather than large banners or billboards.