Camps, crime, civic woes take centre stage in Dhaka-16
If we form the government, we will begin phased permanent rehabilitation for the people living in Urdu-speaking camps. Once people have stable homes, crime in these areas will naturally decline.
Kahkasan, a young woman from the Bihari Camp in Mirpur-11, lives under the constant fear of eviction. Growing up in the congested camp, she has faced a lack of water, gas, and other civic rights, alongside persistent health risks and an unstable environment.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Now a voter, the 23-year-old student’s demands are simple yet profound -- basic civic amenities and permanent housing.
Furthermore, the newly enrolled young voter yearns for the security and education of the girls in the camp, as well as the guarantee of a dignified life.
Her story is echoed across Dhaka-16, from Rupnagar, Kalshi, and Pallabi, where long-standing problems remain unresolved.
Drug peddling and mugging are among residents’ top concerns.
Past governments used these residents for criminal gains. We want to give them a normal life and a better environment and future for their children.
Due to poor drainage, even light rain floods roads, while local canals have effectively become open sewers.
Garment factories – the economic backbone of the area -- are often targeted by extortionists and gangs, and slum fires continue to recur.
A M Salimullah, a resident of Pallabi Housing Society, said the area’s problems are frequently ignored due to its location on Dhaka’s outskirts.
“Security is a major issue. Drug trading happens in broad daylight, and mugging and theft are rising. Yet, these issues are rarely addressed,” he told The Daily Star.
He hopes the upcoming election will bring stability. “We want a peaceful environment. An elected government might end this ongoing instability.”
Dhaka-16, which includes wards 2, 3, 5 and 6 of Dhaka North City Corporation, is set for a closely contested race.
The BNP has nominated Aminul Haque, convener of Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP and former captain of the national football team.
His main rival is Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Col (retd) Abdul Baten, a former army officer.
Both candidates have launched formal campaigns.
Abdullah Al Mansur, office secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP) -- part of the Jamaat-led 10-party alliance -- said Jamaat workers are focusing on door-to-door outreach in slum areas, while the BNP is maintaining a strong street presence through rallies and meetings.
Meanwhile, with over 50,000 voters residing in Urdu-speaking camps, the community is seen as a key “swing bloc” in the constituency.
However, Sadaqat Khan, president of the Urdu-speaking Peoples Youth Rehabilitation Movement, expressed deep frustration.
“We are denied our fundamental rights. Our education and health are neglected, our land is being encroached upon, and we face harassment through politically motivated cases,” he said.
“Peace will not return to the camps without permanent rehabilitation. Political parties have made promises before only to exploit our votes, but have abandoned us after elections. This time, we will vote for whoever guarantees permanent rehabilitation in their manifesto,” he added.
Talking to The Daily Star, BNP’s Aminul Haque said he has been documenting local grievances for months.
“I grew up here, and people know me as a sportsman and a neighbour. I have already discussed the camp issue with the BNP Chairperson. If we form the government, we will begin phased permanent rehabilitation. Once people have stable homes, crime in these areas will naturally decline,” he said.
He also called for politics based on unity and harmony. “I want to practice the politics of brotherhood, sincerity, and love. People of all views should coexist in harmony. If we stay united, many problems can be solved.”
“I believe people from all walks of life will vote for me and allow me to serve as their representative,” Aminul added.
Jamaat candidate Abdul Baten said he is receiving “strong public support”.
“People want change. They are tired of extortion and moral decay,” he said, adding, “Voters see Jamaat as a fresh alternative.”
Regarding the camps, he said, “Past governments used these residents for criminal gains. We want to give them a normal life and a better environment and future for their children.”
Both leading candidates, however, expressed concerns about possible electoral irregularities.
Baten warned of attempts to influence polling centres or intimidate polling agents, though he said he trusts the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus.
Meanwhile, Aminul raised concerns about a “certain group” collecting voters’ NID details and mobile banking information.
“We don’t know their intentions, but we are alert and have informed the returning officer,” he said.
The constituency has 400,499 voters -- 201,168 men, 199,323 women, and 8 hijra.
Other candidates running for Dhaka-16 include Saiful Islam (Islami Andolan Bangladesh), Mohammad Towhiduzzaman (Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan), Abdul Kader Jilani (Muktijote), Mamun Hossain (Gono Odhikar Parishad), A.K.M. Moazzem Hossain (Labor Party), Tarikul Islam (NPP), Nazmul Huq (BJP), Rashidul Islam (BASAD), and Sultan Ahmed Selim (Jatiya Party).
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