SHARIF M SHAFIQUE and SADI MUHAMMAD ALOK

A group of students were chatting at a tea stall on the Jahangirnagar University campus; their conversation centred on the upcoming national election.

They shared varied views on the electoral atmosphere, candidates, political parties, concerns, and their hopes for a post-election Bangladesh.

Many students of the university are voters in the Dhaka-19 constituency, which includes Savar and Ashulia.

The constituency comprises Shimulia, Dhamsona, Yearpur, Ashulia, Birulia, Pathalia, Savar Union, Savar Municipality, and Savar Cantonment.

Known for the garment industry and the Dhaka–Aricha Highway, the area holds major economic importance but has long been plagued by persistent problems.

Severe traffic congestion is a daily reality in Nabinagar, Baipail, and Savar Bus Stand.

Industrial waste has heavily polluted the Bangshi river and surrounding areas, while poor drainage causes waterlogging even after slight rainfall.

Furthermore, gas shortages for both industrial and residential use remain a consistent struggle.

As an industrial hub, the area also sees frequent criminal activities linked to transport, the jhut (garment scrap) trade, and land grabbing.

Any instability in the garment sector here affects national politics and the economy, making labour unions particularly influential in this region.

Khairul Mamun Mintu, a local garment workers’ leader, told The Daily Star, “A large portion of voters in Dhaka-19 are workers. We discussed our demands on living standards and professional development with candidates and are now evaluating who addressed our rights.”

“I haven’t seen any clear programmes for workers in the candidates’ manifestos,” he added. “While many listened to us, heavyweight candidates did not seem to prioritise our demands.”

According to locals, the main contenders are BNP’s Dewan Mohammad Salahuddin, National Citizen Party (NCP) candidate Dilshana Parul -- representing the Jamaat-led alliance -- and Mohammad Faruk Khan of Islami Andolan Bangladesh.

Nabinagar, Baipail, Ashulia, and Savar Bus Stand areas are alive with campaign processions, banners,

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