The highly anticipated by-election for Dhaka-17 is set to take place on July 17.
Despite the upcoming parliamentary election being just a few months away, the constituents are actively preparing to choose their new representative.
Dhaka-17, consisting of Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, and a portion of the Dhaka Cantonment, holds the distinction of being the most affluent constituency in the capital.
A total of eight MP candidates are contesting in the by-polls.
Mohammad Arafat
Prof Mohammad Ali Arafat is an academic, political analyst, and commentator, as well as the founding convener and current chairman of Suchinta Foundation, a Bangladeshi non-profit think tank and research centre. He is also a member of the Awami League's Central Working Committee and is set to contest the Dhaka-17 by-polls on the ruling party ticket, with the “Boat” symbol.
Mohammad Arafat CourtesyAshraful Hossen Alom (Hero Alom)
YouTuber Ashraful Hossen Alam alias Hero Alom will take part in the upcoming Dhaka 17 by-polls as an independent candidate with the 'Ektara' symbol.
Last year, Alam collected nomination papers for Bogra-6 (Sadar) and Bogra-4 but he was defeated in both constituencies by a narrow margin.
Alam only attended a village school until class 7. Earlier in his life, he used to sell Chanachur at a station. Later, he started selling CDs and became involved in the satellite TV connection business, as well as the making of music videos.
CourtesyMajor (retd) Sikder Anisur Rahman
Major (retd) Sikder Anisur Rahman is the nominated candidate of Jatiya Party (JaPa) with the "Plough" symbol in the Dhaka-17 by-polls.
He served in the Bangladesh Army from 1992-2016. Since his retirement, he has been in business and involved in politics. This is the first time he is taking part in an election.
He is a chairman of Taa-Sin Knitwear Ltd and Managing Director of Zone 5 Ltd.
Major (retd) Sikder Anisur Rahman CourtesyKazi Md Rashedul Hassan Rashed
Kazi Rashed is a member of the Zaker Party National Standing Committee, and has been involved in Zaker party politics for the past 26 years. He started the politics in 1997 and served the party's student front as an organizing secretary. He is associated with Biswa Zaker Manjil of Faridpur, from where he entered politics, through his father.
He will participate in the by-election with the “Rose” symbol.
Kazi Md Rashedul Hassan Rashed CourtesyMajor (retd) Sheikh Habibur Rahman
Trinamool BNP and BNA Secretary General Major (retd) Sheikh Habibur Rahman is known as an ear-nose-throat specialist and head neck surgeon. He is also a speech and language specialist.
He was born in Senhati area of Dighaliaupazila in Khulna. He completed his studies at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College in 1968. He was involved in the Bangladesh Student League's politics during his student life.
His electoral symbol is “Sonali Aash.”
Sheikh Habibur Rahman CourtesyRezaul Islam Swapan
Former government official Rezaul Islam Swapan, born in Dinajpur on October 23, 1970, is the Bangladesh Congress nominated candidate for the Dhaka-17 by-polls.
He is a musician, author, and social worker, and the founding chairman of a political party named Nakful Bangladesh, which was established on October 23, 2018. He completed his bachelor's degree in social science.
His electoral symbol is the “Green Coconut.”
Rezaul Islam Swapan CourtesyMohammad Akhter Hossain
Mohammad Akhter Hossain was born in Dhaka on May 7, 1961. He obtained his SSC from Narinda Government High School in 1977, his HSC from Kabi Nazrul Government College in 1979, and his master's degree with honours from the History Department of Dhaka University.
He contested the Dhaka-6 by-polls in 2014 and 2018, and is currently involved in various social activities.
His electoral symbol is the “Chari.”
Mohammad Akhter Hossain CourtesyTarikul Islam Bhuiyan
Tarikul Islam Bhuiyan is the chairman of Jonotar Adhikar Party and is contesting the by-polls as an independent candidate. The party was formed in October last year.
Tarkil completed his SSC in 2003 and his HSC from Feni Government College in 2005. He pursued his degree from the Open University in 2008. He became involved in local politics in 2002.
His electoral symbol is the “Truck.”
Tarikul Islam Bhuiyan Courtesy