As Bangladesh heads to the polls, the United Nations has voiced worry about the increasing violence and harassment faced by women candidates and voters, particularly through digital means. The UN emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for women’s participation in public life as a fundamental right. Reports indicate a rise in cyberbullying, deepfakes, coordinated harassment, and image-based abuse targeting women in public roles like political leaders, activists, journalists, and human rights defenders.
The statement issued from the resident coordinator’s office in Dhaka highlighted the need to safeguard the rights of all women and girls, including those with disabilities, from minority groups, and gender diverse individuals who may encounter heightened barriers or gender-based violence. It called upon all stakeholders, including political leaders and supporters, to adopt a zero-tolerance stance against intimidation, harassment, and any violence targeting women throughout the electoral process. The UN is actively assisting the Bangladesh Election Commission in enhancing women’s participation and representation in elections.
In a separate development, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concerns over reports of journalists facing harassment by the military and police in Bangladesh. Stressing the importance of conducting elections peacefully and inclusively in alignment with the country’s constitution and international commitments, the UN urged all political actors and their followers to shun violence and uphold fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
