Bangladesh Election: Women’s Representation Hits Record Low Amid Violence

Dhaka is bracing for its general elections on February 12, but a dark cloud hangs over the process as violence targeting women and minorities escalates. Women’s rights activists have raised alarms, spotlighting the shockingly low number of female candidates in what they call a blatant disregard for gender equality. At a press conference in Dhaka, representatives from 71 organizations united under the Social Resistance Committee banner. They demanded more reserved seats for women in parliament and fairer nomination processes. Fauzia Moslem, chair of the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, declared the progress utterly disappointing, citing data showing women make up just 4.2% of candidates—a figure she branded as unacceptable. Activists urged the Election Commission to guarantee safety, insisting that every citizen must vote without fear. With 1,981 candidates vying for 300 seats, only 81 are women, representing a grim picture of inclusivity in the upcoming vote.