Bangladesh's February 12 Elections: A Struggle for Women's Representation

As Bangladesh approaches its parliamentary elections on February 12, 2024, a significant concern has emerged regarding the representation of women in the political arena. Despite a history of female leadership, women constitute less than four percent of the candidates, with only 76 out of 1,981 vying for parliamentary seats. This stark underrepresentation highlights a troubling trend in a nation that has been politically defined by women, including former Prime Ministers Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia.

Women nearly erased from Bangladesh’s election stagePushed to margins, women vanish from Bangladesh's political arenaThe Straits Times

For over three decades, Bangladesh was notable for being led by women, with both Hasina and Zia shaping the country's political landscape. However, the recent political upheaval that led to Hasina's ousting in 2024 has not translated into increased opportunities for women in politics. Instead, major parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami, have predominantly fielded male candidates, sidelining women in the electoral process.

Pushed to margins, women vanish from Bangladesh's political arena

The BNP, expected to perform well in the upcoming elections, is contesting 292 of the 300 parliamentary seats. Jamaat-e-Islami, which has not nominated any women candidates, is also a significant player in this election. The National Citizen Party (NCP), formed by youth activists during the 2024 uprising, has similarly limited female representation, nominating only two women among its 30 candidates. This trend reflects a broader societal pushback against women's visibility in public life.

Pushed to margins, women vanish from Bangladesh's political arena

Activists and first-time voters express deep concern over the lack of female candidates. Ariana Rahman, a 20-year-old voter, lamented, “I used to be proud that we had two women figureheads at the top. Now, it feels like we’ve been pushed back decades.” Mahrukh Mohiuddin from the Women’s Political Rights Forum noted that despite hopes for change following the uprising, women remain sidelined and face hostility for their political engagement. Umama Fatema, a prominent activist, stated, “Women are censored, vilified… judged for simply being part of a political party.”

Women nearly erased from Bangladesh’s election stage

Jamaat-e-Islami's leadership has openly stated that society is not yet "ready and safe" for women in politics, reinforcing traditional gender roles. Meanwhile, BNP's Tarique Rahman expressed confidence in forming a government, emphasizing the need for stability in the wake of Hasina's ouster. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, established a Women's Affairs Reform Commission, but critics argue it has been largely ignored.

Pushed to margins, women vanish from Bangladesh's political arena

The upcoming elections are pivotal not only for the political landscape of Bangladesh but also for the future of women's rights in the country. Analysts warn that the near-erasure of women from the ballot could entrench male dominance in parliament for years, reversing decades of progress. The outcome will also influence Bangladesh's international relations, particularly with regional powers like India and China.

Women nearly erased from Bangladesh’s election stage

While opinion polls suggest the BNP has an edge, there remains a significant portion of undecided voters. The role of Generation Z, which constitutes about a quarter of the electorate, is also uncertain, as their voting patterns could significantly impact the election's outcome.

The Straits Times

• “Whatever regime is in place, repression of women appears in many different forms,” — Priya Ahsan Chowdhury, Supreme Court Lawyer

The Straits Times

• “I hope the next government, whoever comes into power, will ensure this freedom of expression.” — Mohammad Rakib, First-time Voter

The Straits Times

• “There was hope after the uprising, but that change never materialised. Women are still relegated to the sidelines and expected to remain silent in decision-making.” — Mahrukh Mohiuddin, Women’s Political Rights Forum Spokesperson

Women nearly erased from Bangladesh’s election stage

The February 12 elections in Bangladesh serve as a critical juncture for women's representation and political engagement, raising questions about the future of gender equality in the nation.

The Straits Times