As the national parliamentary election approaches, physician and researcher Tasnim Jara has become a new focal point of discussion in Dhaka’s political arena. Contesting the election as an independent candidate from the Dhaka-9 constituency, she has drawn increasing attention for her calm, polite, and logic-driven political approach. Despite her relatively short political career, public interest and expectations surrounding her candidacy continue to grow. Ahead of the election, Tasnim Jara resigned from the National Citizen Party (NCP) and entered the race as an independent candidate. While her decision sparked political debate, analysts believe that her personal conduct and campaign style have helped her remain largely above criticism. Many observers note that her restrained and dignified behavior has set her apart from conventional election rhetoric.
A Reflection of Calm and Restrained Politics
Since the beginning of her election campaign, Tasnim Jara has not been seen making derogatory or irrelevant remarks about her opponents. Although her main rival in Dhaka-9 is BNP candidate Habibur Rashid, she views political competition differently. According to her, “It is the people who will choose their representative through votes. Politics should not be about attacking others, but about reaching voters with one’s own message.”
This perspective has distinguished her from other candidates, according to local voters. Many residents say her manner of movement, speech, and public interaction reflects the image of a polite, intelligent, and thoughtful political leader.
Electoral Dynamics in Dhaka-9
There is visible enthusiasm among general voters in Dhaka-9 regarding Tasnim Jara’s candidacy. Her appeal appears particularly strong among young voters, women, and professionals. While many believe the contest with the BNP candidate may be closely fought, political analysts suggest that Jara’s clean public image gives her a distinct advantage.
According to analysts, the absence of major controversy surrounding her has helped position her as a candidate with a “clean and credible profile,” which could attract a significant portion of undecided voters.
Birth, Education, and Upbringing
Tasnim Jara was born on 7 October 1994 in Dhaka, where she was also raised. She completed her higher secondary education at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College.
She later studied medicine at Dhaka Medical College, earning her MBBS degree. For higher education, she moved to the United Kingdom and completed a Master’s degree in Evidence-Based Health Care from the University of Oxford.
Medical Career and International Experience
Tasnim Jara began her medical career as a junior doctor at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. She later worked as a Resident Medical Officer at Apollo Hospital, Dhaka.
In 2019, she moved to the United Kingdom and began working as an Emergency Department physician within the National Health Service (NHS). She subsequently served as a Resident in Internal Medicine at Cambridge University Hospitals.
Alongside her clinical work, she joined the Clinical School of the University of Cambridge as a clinical supervisor for undergraduate students and was later promoted to Senior Clinical Supervisor.
Health Entrepreneurship and Research
Tasnim Jara is a co-founder of “Sohay Health,” a digital health platform that provides evidence-based medical information in Bengali. In 2023, she led the development of the “Sohay Pregnancy” mobile application, which offers week-by-week guidance and advice for pregnant women.
She is also active in medical research. Her work has been published in internationally peer-reviewed journals, including JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions and Frontiers in Global Women’s Health.
Social Work and Public Awareness
In 2014, Tasnim Jara was elected President of the United Nations Bangladesh Youth Advisory Panel, where she advised the UN on youth engagement and policy matters.
She gained national and international attention in 2016 for her decision to wear a simple white cotton saree—without jewelry or makeup—at her wedding. The act sparked widespread discussion on social expectations surrounding women, beauty standards, and personal choice.
She has also been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, campaigning for the inclusion of mental health education in Bangladesh’s school curriculum to reduce stigma and improve access to care.
Digital Influence
During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tasnim Jara began producing Bengali-language health education videos on social media. Her content on vaccination, reproductive health, and mental well-being gained widespread attention.
Her efforts were covered by major international media outlets, including BBC, Sky News, ITV, and the Financial Times, highlighting her role in combating misinformation during the pandemic.
Entry into Politics
Tasnim Jara formally entered politics in late 2024. She initially served as Joint Convener of the National Citizen Committee, which later evolved into the National Citizen Party. Following the party’s formation, she assumed the role of Senior Joint Member Secretary.
However, citing concerns over ethics, transparency, and accountability, she resigned from the party on 27 December 2025 and announced her decision to contest the election as an independent candidate.
Known as a physician, researcher, entrepreneur, and social activist, Tasnim Jara now presents herself as a polite, rational, and modern political figure. Her candidacy in Dhaka-9 is widely seen as a signal of a new political culture in the capital. Regardless of the final election outcome, many agree that Tasnim Jara has already established herself as an example of calm and respectful politics—an approach that has earned her a distinct place in the current political discourse.