Dr Tasnim Jara. File Photo

DHAKA, Feb 06, 2026 (BSS)- Dr Tasnim Jara, an independent candidate for Dhaka-9 constituency in the upcoming national elections, has pledged to ensure civic amenities for the people of her constituency if she is elected in the polls.

In a recent interview with BSS correspondent Mahadi Hasan, she said the upcoming election is not just a means of electing representatives, but a new Bangladesh will be built through it where every citizen can enjoy their rights. Citizens will not go door to door to receive services rather the services will reach their doorsteps, she added.

Tasnim Jara outlined her plans to improve the quality of life of citizens in Dhaka-9 constituency by modernising the health and education systems, preventing drugs and creating employment for the youths. 

BSS: What are your main election promises to the voters of the area?
Tasneem Jara: I have given an election manifesto on six specific issues. The manifesto will solve all the problems the commoners face in their daily lives. Those are the suggestions that the common people have given me to include in the manifesto. The first manifesto is based on the services that they do not get properly - gas and civic services. 

Although my constituency is the heart of the city, people do not get gas. That’s why they cook in stoves, despite they pay gas bill every month. I will go to the parliament and raise voice for announcing a law in favour of the 'no service, no bill' policy. Also, if they fail to provide gas through the pipeline, then they will be provided with subsidized or reasonably priced LPG cylinders.

Regarding water logging she said, she will keep an eye on WASA and the city corporation to ensure that the drainage system is modernized. For waste management, she will work to ensure secondary transfer stations and modern waste disposal systems.

Secondly, emphasis will be given on prevention and preparedness. My constituency has more than six to seven lakh people, but there is only one government hospital. Mugda Hospital has acute shortage of manpower as well as equipment. 

“I will keep in touch with the Health Minister so that this medical centre has modern equipment and adequate manpower is recruited. We will take special initiatives to modernize the clinics in our neighborhoods so that these clinics become like mini hospitals,” she said.

In addition, Jara said they will form a permanent mosquito extermination squad that will work all year round to prevent mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue. As part of women's healthcare, regular and affordable treatment, breastfeeding space and women-friendly toilets will be ensured for pregnant mothers in hospitals and government establishments.

Thirdly, we want to prevent drugs abuse which turned epidemic in the area, causing big security challenge. She will provide treatment for addicted persons and will show zero tolerance against drugs. 

She said to ensure safe movement of women, CCTV cameras will be installed on the roads particularly in areas of schools, colleges and garment factories. In addition, reserved seats for women in public transport and safe travel will be ensured.

Fourthly, there will be no quota in admission to educational institutions. There will be no quota or recommendation of MPs (Members of Parliament) in school admission; merit and transparency will be the only criteria. Apart from this, modern science labs, coding clubs and libraries will be established in schools. In addition, emphasis will be given to mental health and artificial intelligence (AI) education for students.

Fifthly, for economic empowerment of everyone, loans and startup funds will be launched for young entrepreneurs without collateral. Promising for economic equality for all, she said, e-commerce training will be arranged for local businessmen so that they can expand their businesses online.

Sixth, there will be no need to go to a 'bhai' or 'neta' to meet me. If elected, an office will be opened in the area within a month, which will remain open till evening. I will launch a digital open dashboard to know the progress of resolving citizen complaints.

BSS: What are your instructions to leaders and workers to follow the electoral code of conduct?
Tasneem Jara: Everyone who is working with us on the campaign is trained. We are aware of the code of conduct and are taught how to conduct the campaign and go to the people. You will see that we are doing our campaign very consciously. You will not see a single poster of me anywhere. We have not put up any colorful billboards anywhere. We have not put up any PVC. We are working strictly in line with the electoral code of conduct.

BSS: What is your position on referendum on the July Charter?
Tasneem Jara: My position is in favour of the ‘Yes’ vote. When I talk to people, I tell them to vote for ‘Yes’ in the referendum. When our volunteers are also going, some of them ask them why they will vote ‘Yes’, so I try to answer their questions.

BSS: What are your expectations in the upcoming national elections?
Tasneem Jara: I want fair and free elections. I want an environment where people can vote safely. We are hearing concerns from some voters. When we are walking, many are asking ‘Will the vote be fair? Will the voters be able to go safely? Will they not go to the centres and see that the vote has been cast?’ People are worried about this. The Election Commission must assure the people that the vote will be safe.

Dhaka-9 constituency consists of Khilgaon, Sabujbagh and Mugda. According to the Election Commission, the total number of voters in this constituency is 469,360. Of them, 237,673 are male voters and 231,682 are female voters.

Independent candidate Dr Tasnim Jara, BNP candidate Habibur Rashid Habib, NCP candidate Mohammad Javed Miah, Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Shah Iftekhar Ahsan, Kazi Abul Khair of Jatiya Party, Najma Akhter of the Gono Forum, Community Party of Bangladesh (CPB) candidate Md Moniruzzaman, Khandaker Mizanur Rahman of Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist), Shaheen Khan of National People's Party, Masud Hossain of Bangladesh Muslim League, Mohammad Shafi Ullah Chowdhury of Bangladesh Nationalist Front (BNF) and Nahid Hasan Chowdhury Junaid of Insaniat Biplob, Bangladesh, are participating in the polls from Dhaka-9 constituency.