JS polls: Intense competition in Savar

The election campaign for Dhaka-19 (Savar) constituency, which is a crucial seat in Dhaka, has gained momentum. The residents of Savar anticipate a fierce competition in this particular seat. Apart from the 10 aspirants in this constituency, the incumbent Member of Parliament Enamur Rahman, who also serves as the State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief, is in the race. Talukdar Mohammad Towhid Jung Murad, an independent candidate and former MP, is also vying for this seat, creating an atmosphere of intense rivalry between them. Additionally, Muhammad Saiful Islam, the Awami League General Secretary of Ashulia Thana, is actively campaigning in the Ashulia area.

The Dhaka-19 Constituency comprises of 10 Unions and the Savar Municipality in the Savar Upazila of Dhaka District. The total number of voters in this constituency is 756,419. It is the 192nd seat in the National Parliament, located in the Dhaka district. Enamur Rahman, the State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief, has been nominated by the Awami League for this seat and has been alloted the boat symbol. Talukder Mohammad Towhid Jung Murad, an independent candidate and former MP of the Ninth National Assembly, has been allocated the Eagle symbol. Other candidates from different parties include Milan Kumar Bhanj from the Bangladesh Congress (Dab/apple wood), Nurul Amin from Gono Front (Fish/mach), Muhammad Saiful Islam as an Independent candidate (Truck), Mahbubul Hasan from Trinamool BNP (Golden fiber/ Sonali Ansh), Irene Parveen from the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (Jack/kathal), Israfil Hossain Savari from NPP (Mango/Aam), Md. Julhas from the Bangladesh Supreme Party (Ektara), and Saiful Islam Member from BNM (Anchor/langol) symbol.

After the distribution of symbols, the entire Savar area became adorned with election posters, festoons, and banners. Candidates are tirelessly going from door to door, appealing for votes from morning till late at night. The entire electoral region is bustling with processions and gatherings, both during the day and at night. In these rallies, candidates are making a multitude of promises to the voters. The field administration is diligently working towards ensuring free and fair elections. Fortunately, there have been no significant reports of violence thus far. The election campaign is progressing harmoniously.

Mallik Mridha (50), a resident of Savar Municipal area, shared with Views Bangladesh, "This year's election campaign is taking place in a peaceful and cordial environment. All candidates are actively engaged in campaigning. However, the main battle for votes will be between the current MP and boat candidate, Enamur Rahman, and the former MP independent candidate, Talukder Tawhid Jung Murad. At this point, it appears that the two contenders are on equal footing. Either one could emerge victorious."

Akhinur Begum (40) from Savar's Pathalia Union expressed, "Both Enamur Rahman and Murad Jung visited our home to seek votes. Both are affiliated with the Awami League, so their influence is evenly matched. No one is superior to the other. Now, we eagerly await the election results. We desire a fair election. If the situation remains favorable on polling day, I will certainly cast my vote."

Last Tuesday, independent candidate Talukdar Towhid Jung, also known as Murad, organized a gathering in the Shimultala area of Savar Municipality to mark the 12th National Assembly elections. The event caused disruptions in traffic and public movement along the Dhaka-Aricha highway. Murad made a grand display using trucks and motorcycles. However, he also received condolences in accordance with the Election Code of Conduct. Talukdar Mohammad Tawhid Jung Murad faced defeat in the seventh and eighth parliamentary elections for the Dhaka-19 constituency. However, he was elected in the 9th National Parliament election in 2008 under the boat symbol. In 2013, he distanced himself from party politics following his association with building owner Sohail Rana, due to the Rana Plaza collapse incident. He did not receive the boat's nomination in the 10th national parliament election and was also not nominated in the 11th National Assembly election. Since the 10th parliamentary elections, Murad has not been publicly seen attending meetings or any political programs in Savar. However, this time, Murad Jung is running as an independent candidate in the twelfth parliamentary election, as he was deprived of the boat's nomination.

On the other hand, Dr. Enamur Rahman, the current State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief, emerged victorious in the tenth and eleventh parliamentary elections. He was elected in the 10th National Parliament election.

Following the 2001 Bangladesh census, the Election Commission of Bangladesh undertook the task of redrawing parliamentary constituency boundaries to accommodate the population growth. This was done in preparation for the 2008 general elections. As a result, the Dhaka Metropolitan Area saw an increase in the number of seats from 13 to 20. In anticipation of the 2014 general elections, the Election Commission made adjustments to the boundaries of the Dhaka-19 constituencies, which included the inclusion of the Kandiya union parishad of Savar upazila.

Dr. Md. Enamur Rahman, representing the Bangladesh Awami League, was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Dhaka-19 (Savar) Constituency in the National Parliament Election held on December 30, 2018. In the previous election on January 5, 2014, Dr. Md. Enamur Rahman was elected unopposed. Talukdar Towhid Jang Murad, also from the Awami League, was elected in the 9th national parliamentary election on December 29, 2008, receiving 282,109 votes. His closest competitor, Dr. Dewan Salahuddin from the BNP, received 171,436 votes. Dr. Dewan Salahuddin was elected in the eighth parliamentary election on October 1, 2001, with 139,788 votes. In that election, Talukdar Tauhid Jung Murad received 98,062 votes as a candidate of the Awami League. Dr. Dewan Salahuddin was elected in the seventh national parliament election held on June 12, 1996, with 71,243 votes. His closest rival, Ashrafuddin Khan Imu from the Awami League, received 47,343 votes. Additionally, Niamatullah was elected from this seat in the Fifth National Assembly Elections held on February 27, 1991, with 63,119 votes as a candidate of the BNP. In that election, his closest competitor, Samsuddoha Khan Majlish, received 37,298 votes.