In Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary elections, women’s participation hit a low, but seven female candidates emerged victorious, as per unofficial results. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to secure an absolute majority, with six female candidates winning under the paddy sheaf symbol. Among the elected women are Afroza Khan Rita, Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto, Tahsina Rushdir Luna, Shama Obaid, Nayab Yusuf Kamal, Farzana Sharmin Putul, and independent candidate Rumin Farhana.
The United Nations expressed concern over violence and harassment against women candidates and voters during the polls in Bangladesh. The UN emphasized the right to safe and meaningful participation in public life, condemning cyberbullying and harassment faced by women in public roles. Despite women constituting half the population, they were significantly underrepresented among candidates, with only 4.24% of the 2,568 aspirants being women.
Bangladesh’s Election Commission revealed a stark gender disparity in candidate nominations, with radical Islamist parties like Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan Bangladesh fielding no female candidates. The BNP, historically led by a woman, allocated tickets to only 10 women out of 328 aspirants. Several parties, including Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Khilafat Majlis, and Bangladesh Islami Front, completely excluded women from their candidate lists. Critics have raised concerns over escalating violence against women and children and the exclusion of women from decision-making processes in Bangladesh.
