‘Regardless of who wins or loses the polls, I want to work together with everyone’

You are the BNP-nominated candidate for Dhaka-7. How do you see the situation on the ground?

Inshallah, I see the situation as positive. I am getting a good response. As a son of Dhaka, ordinary people have accepted me. They already know me well. I have been visiting mosques and madrasas in this area for a long time. I grew up here, so I can connect with voters very easily. 

Voters are keen to vote and are enthusiastic about participating. They have the freedom to vote for whomever they choose. I believe voters will vote for the sheaf of paddy.

There were several other aspirants from your party. What is your relationship with them now?

A few others sought nomination from this constituency. BNP is a large party, so that is natural. Only one person can receive the nomination, and the party has given it to me. All other nomination aspirants are now with me and are working together for the party. I am receiving full cooperation from them.

Do you see opposition candidates as a challenge?

I am a candidate from one party, and they are from other parties, so there will naturally be challenges. At present, my main rival is Jamaat candidate Enayat Ullah. I have known him for a long time, though I only recently learned that he is involved in Jamaat politics. We have a good personal relationship. Inshallah, whoever is elected, our cordial relations will remain. If I am elected and he has any good advice, I will gladly accept it.

If elected, what initiatives will you take to meet public expectations?

The main problems of this constituency are very clear. First, the long-standing gas crisis has made daily life unbearable. Second, severe traffic congestion and unplanned traffic management. Third, the acute mismanagement of drainage. In addition, unemployment, juvenile gangs and social degradation are major challenges. If BNP forms the government, we will work step by step to bring permanent solutions to these problems.

This constituency is business-oriented, and traders face various problems, especially extortion. What is your position on this?

First, there are some government institutions that lease out different spaces, but they do not clearly explain this to the public. As a result, people cannot clearly distinguish between extortion and government tolls. The government should properly inform the public on this issue. Another issue is extortion itself.

I am also a businessman. The biggest problem for traders is the lack of a business-friendly environment – particularly insecurity and extortion. I want to ensure a safe, extortion-free and stable business environment. I will stand by traders through administrative coordination and policy support.

Footpath encroachment causes traffic congestion. What are your thoughts on this?

One major problem in this area is footpath encroachment. This issue must be addressed with a humane approach. Evicting hawkers without rehabilitation is not sustainable. Therefore, zoned hawker areas, improved traffic management and pedestrian-friendly planning must be implemented together. I have already started working on footpath issues. If elected, I will bring footpath management under a structured system.

I will relocate scattered shops from footpaths to designated areas. If small, specific zones are created where these shops can operate, footpaths may become encroachment-free, and traffic congestion is expected to reduce.

Most residential buildings in Old Dhaka have factories and chemical warehouses on the ground floors, and accidents occur frequently. What is your view on this?

These factories must be relocated elsewhere. I do not see any alternative. The government must take institutional measures regarding risky buildings. This cannot be done unilaterally; it must be carried out through discussion and consultation with all stakeholders.

There have been killings in various places centring on the election. Do you see any risk in your area?

There is no problem in this constituency. There is no reason for panic. A peaceful environment prevails here. There is mutual respect among rival candidates. I met the Jamaat candidate a few days ago. I have met Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's candidate, Dhaka-based businessman Md Enayat Ullah, several times. Regardless of who wins or loses the election, I want to work together with everyone.