Bangladesh activists demand safety for women and minorities before February vote

Rights activists in Bangladesh have called on the Election Commission to protect women, minorities, and marginalised groups ahead of the February 12 general election. Concerns have grown over reports of violence and intimidation targeting these communities as the election approaches.

A coalition of women's organisations, led by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad president Fouzia Moslem, highlighted the low representation of women in the upcoming election. Only around 4.2% of candidates are female—a figure activists describe as unacceptable. For years, these groups have pushed for greater women's participation in parliament and reforms to the system for reserved seats.

The committee also raised alarms about rising threats against women, religious minorities, indigenous communities, and people with disabilities. Despite repeated requests, the Election Commission did not respond to their call for a meeting. As a result, the activists shared their demands through the media instead. Their proposals included stricter monitoring to prevent online harassment and hate speech against women. They also called for a cap on election spending, special security for female candidates, and a ban on using religion in campaigning. Above all, they insisted that every citizen must be able to vote freely, regardless of gender, faith, or social background.

The Election Commission has yet to publicly address the activists' concerns. With the election set for February 12, the demands focus on concrete steps to ensure safety and fairness. The committee's push reflects broader worries about inclusion and security in the upcoming vote.