Dhaka, Feb. 5 -- Mohammed Badal, a furniture craftsman living in Basabo under the Dhaka-9 constituency, has yet to decide who will receive his vote.

Among the dozen candidates contesting this seat -- which comprises Sabujbagh, Motijheel, Demra, and Manda thanas -- the three names dominating local conversation are all "rookies on the campaign trail", according to Badal.

Speaking to bdnews24.com, he said: "This time, all three are contesting for the first time, and they are all incredibly sharp!

"In fact, so sharp that the public is struggling to decide which way to turn."

Badal was referring to Habibur Rashid Habib, nominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP); Tasnim Jara, an independent candidate; and Mohammed Javed Mia Rasin,...