Activists Decry Rising Threats to Women Candidates in Bangladesh

Tensions are simmering in Bangladesh ahead of the February 12 polls, where female representation in candidate lists has plummeted to a mere 4.2%. Speaking in Dhaka, a broad alliance of 71 organizations decried the surge in pre-poll violence against women and religious minorities. The Social Resistance Committee hosted a briefing where leaders lambasted the disappointing state of affairs. Security topped the agenda, with urgent pleas for the Election Commission to foster a fear-free, gender-aware environment. Morium Nesa of ActionAid presented a memorandum reminding officials of women’s historical role in Bangladesh’s democratic struggles. Despite past pledges like the July Charter, the reality for female politicians remains grim. Activists warned that communal tensions and targeted attacks on marginalized groups are on the rise, calling for immediate intervention to ensure that the upcoming elections are both fair and inclusive of all genders.