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billboards, and loudspeaker announcements as candidates vie to represent the constituency in parliament.

Some locals, however, are sceptical. Saphor Ali Matbor, a resident of Gazirchat in his sixties, said past MPs failed to deliver.

“We want representatives who will work to improve living standards, control commodity prices, and solve gas and water crises,” he said.

Jerin Tasnim Boishakhy, a JU student and a Dhaka-19 voter, said election discussions among students often focus on social media trolling and narratives.

“One major party faces criticism over extortion allegations. Another is questioned over its stance on women’s rights and the Liberation War. Many were initially hopeful about the NCP, formed by leaders of the July uprising, but its sudden alliance with Jamaat has left many confused,” she said.

In this regard, NCP candidate Dilshana Parul told The Daily Star, “This is a temporary electoral alliance, not an ideological one. While there are differences between NCP and Jamaat, there is also unity regarding the July spirit, reforms, justice, and building a new Bangladesh.”

She said she was receiving strong support from local Jamaat-e-Islami activists. Expressing optimism about her chances, she noted positive responses from female garment workers and senior citizens.

If elected, Parul pledged to establish international-standard training centres for young workers, a specialised government hospital for labourers, and state-run day-care centres for working women.

“Within the first 100 days, I will begin work on waste management and waterlogging. I will free Savar-Ashulia from all forms of crime and extortion, de-pollute the Turag and Bangshi rivers, and develop natural parks along their banks for recreation,” she said.

BNP candidate Mohammad Salahuddin expressed confidence in his chances, calling the election “a result of a 17-year struggle to restore the people’s right to vote”.

“Voters have faith in me because I was imprisoned and faced numerous cases during the previous regime,” he said.

He pledged to prioritise the safety of female workers, ease Savar’s chronic traffic congestion, and curb river pollution through stricter enforcement of environmental laws.

However, he noted a major concern. “Since the election coincides with a long holiday, it may reduce turnout, as many garment workers might leave for their village homes.”

“I am working hard to bring voters to polling centres and explain the importance of voting,” he said.

The densely populated seat has 7,47,070 voters -- 3,79,906 men, 3,67,151 women, and 13 hijra individuals.