Dhaka, February 8: Parliamentary elections are set to take place in Bangladesh on February 12. Amidst election preparations and campaigns, women’s empowerment, food security, and employment have emerged as critical issues. This has gained particular attention following comments made by the Jamaat-e-Islami party regarding women, sparking a broader discussion about women’s participation in Politics.
Currently, female candidates make up only about four percent of those contesting in the upcoming elections, despite women representing half of the population. Their names rarely appear on the ballot.
Local media reports indicate that many female candidates have faced cyberbullying, character assassination, sexual harassment, and threats, aimed at intimidating them and disrupting their campaigns.
Dilshana Parul, a candidate from the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Dhaka-19, reported ongoing online trolling, particularly concerning her decision to wear a headscarf. She stated, “Not only supporters of opposing parties but also those who consider themselves progressive are involved. I believe I have been targeted the most.”
Parul has alleged that her campaign workers have received threats of physical harm. She mentioned, “Recently, my team was attacked at a village electricity site. I have also received calls warning me that a former ward commissioner in Ashulia is threatening my female workers to prevent them from voting. Threats increase whenever it seems the BNP might lose.”
Highlighting gender-based targeting, Parul noted that male leaders are primarily criticized for corruption or policies, while women face attacks on their character. Nevertheless, she remains committed to working in the field and focusing on the development of her constituency.
According to the Dhaka Tribune, Nabila Tasneem, another NCP candidate from Dhaka-20, stated, “Our banners and festoons have been torn down. When we reported this to the authorities, they asked for photo or video evidence, indicating a lack of institutional support.”
Tasneem accused coalition-supported groups of spreading misinformation and questioning female leadership, claiming that society will not accept women leaders. Online propaganda and character attacks are their main tools.
She emphasized that her campaign agenda focuses on agriculture, farmers’ rights, employment, technical education, and opportunities for women abroad. Tasleema Akhtar, a candidate from the Gonosonghoti Movement in Dhaka-12, remarked that online harassment is prevalent because it is easier to attack anonymously.
She stated, “When the target is a woman, it becomes even easier. Intimidation will not deter me from advocating for women’s rights, free education up to the twelfth grade, and action against corruption, extortion, and drug syndicates.”
According to data released by the commission, out of 51 parties contesting the elections, 30 have not fielded a single female candidate. Reports also indicate that rising law and order issues are a significant reason preventing women from running for office.