A battle of two doctors

The contest in upcoming parliamentary polls for Dhaka-19 constituency will primarily be between two physicians.

In this seat, the Awami League (AL) has nominated incumbent lawmaker Dr Md Enamur Rahman, chairman of Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar.

The BNP, on the other hand, has also nominated another physician, Dr Dewan Mohammad Salahuddin, popularly known as Dr Salahuddin Babu. He was elected in the seat in 1996 and 2001 general elections.

Aside from Dr Enamur and Dr Salahuddin, eight others are also contesting for the seat under different political parties.  

According to data provided by the Election Commission, Dhaka-19 has 7,48,736 voters.

In the 2014 elections, Dr Enamur was elected unopposed with AL ticket. He was awarded nomination in the seat after his hospital caught national attention through the treatment of Rana Plaza disaster victims in 2013.

During a visit, this correspondent found the area abuzz with his campaigning. He has made a reputation in the area as an honest person and a public representative who contributed to local development during his tenure.  

Although campaigning for BNP candidate Dr Salahuddin is not as visible as that of his AL opponent, locals consider him a strong contender for the seat.

He defeated AL candidate Ashraf Uddin Khan Emu in 1996 national polls, while AL's Talukdar Mohammad Towhid Jung Murad in 2001 polls. He lost to Murad in 2008 elections.

Dr Salahuddin has a large vote bank of Jamaat supporters, especially in Ashulia, Yarpur and Dhamshona unions in Savar. During his tenure, he established a number of educational institutions in this area. His father Dewan Mohamad Idris was also elected a lawmaker in the same constituency in 1979 from BNP.  

Campaigning of the eight other candidates in the constituency is yet to gain momentum. The candidates are Abul Kalam Azad (JP), Soumitro Kumar Das (Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal-BSD), Mohammad Faruk Khan (Islami Andolon Bangladesh), Idris Ali (Bangladesh Muslim League), Md Ainul Haque (Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh), Nurur Islam (Zaker Party), Abu Yusuf Khan (Krishak Sramik Janata League), and Mohammad Sarwar Hossain (Progotishil Gonotantrik Dal).

First-time voter Ashikur Rahman, a student at a private university, said he is enthusiastic about casting his vote in the election.

There will be a tough contest between the contenders from the AL and the BNP for the seat, he also said.