Dhaka, February 8: Bangladesh is gearing up for parliamentary elections on February 12, with women’s empowerment, employment, and bread-and-butter issues taking center stage amid election preparations and campaigns. The political landscape has seen heightened discussions around women’s participation, particularly following comments made by the Jamaat-e-Islami regarding women.
Currently, women candidates make up only about four percent of the total candidates in the upcoming elections, despite women constituting half of the population. 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, revealed that she has been subjected to continuous online trolling, especially 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 also alleged that her campaign workers have received threats of physical harm. “Recently, my team was attacked at a village electricity site. I have also received warning calls that a former ward commissioner in Ashulia is threatening my female workers to prevent them from voting. Whenever it seems that the BNP might lose, the threats increase,” she added.
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, reported that their banners and festoons have been torn down. “When we informed the authorities, they demanded photo or video evidence, which shows where the institutional support lies,” she said.
Tasneem accused coalition-supported groups of spreading misinformation and questioning women’s leadership, claiming that society will not accept female leaders. Online propaganda and character attacks have become their main weapons. Her campaign agenda focuses on agriculture, farmers’ rights, employment, technical education, and opportunities for women abroad.
Taslima Akhtar, a candidate from the Gonosonghoti Movement in Dhaka-12, noted that online harassment tends to increase because it is easier to attack anonymously. “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,” she asserted.
According to data released by the Election Commission, out of 51 parties contesting the elections, 30 have not fielded a single female candidate. Reports also indicate that the deteriorating law and order situation is a significant factor preventing women from contesting elections.