Dhaka: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami led 11-party alliance candidate for the Dhaka-4 constituency, Syed Joynul Abedin, has pledged to transform the area into a crime and extortion-free zone, emphasizing public security and the rule of law alongside comprehensive reforms in health, education, and livelihood sectors. Residents, he noted, are currently struggling with fear, a lack of services, and economic challenges despite living in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Joynul described Dhaka-4 as a neglected and insecure area where ordinary citizens, particularly women, workers, and small traders, face daily threats to their safety and livelihood. He highlighted growing concerns over drug trafficking, extortion, and organized crime that have left residents living in fear.
Joynul stated that despite its status as part of the capital, Dhaka-4 has become one of the most vulnerable areas due to rampant drug trading and the expansion of juvenile gangs. Local traders and community members have reported a rise in incidents of snatching and intimidation, particularly after dusk, he added.
Businesses, both small and large, are reportedly suffering due to routine extortion demands, severely impacting livelihoods. Joynul pointed to criminal groups involved in forcibly occupying properties as further evidence of the undermining of the rule of law in the area.
The candidate stressed the need to target the influential backers of street-level criminals to dismantle these networks effectively. Addressing the issue of juvenile gangs, Joynul noted that many youths are being exploited by political and social power brokers, suggesting that addressing the root causes could significantly reduce drug trade and gang violence.
Joynul also criticized the absence of a government hospital in Dhaka-4, highlighting the need for affordable healthcare, especially for low-income residents. He pointed to a lack of civic and educational infrastructure, such as playgrounds and community centers, which contributes to youth vulnerability and exposure to negative influences.
On the economic front, Joynul noted that while Dhaka-4 hosts various industries, most workers earn modest wages, and the challenges of extortion and insecurity make survival increasingly difficult for small traders and workers. He assured that his campaign is adhering strictly to the electoral code of conduct and emphasized the importance of public participation in the upcoming referendum, urging voters to support it as a step toward national interest and the future of Bangladesh.
Joynul reported strong voter support for the 11-party alliance, driven by frustrations over crime, corruption, and misgovernance. Many voters, he said, believe Jamaat-e-Islami can govern without corruption and uphold justice, offering a hopeful alternative for change.