Story perspectives

Bangladesh Elections: Low Female Candidates Raise Concerns

2/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Turnout neared 50% in Bangladesh's parliamentary elections, with only 4.1% of candidates being women.
Dr. Maleka Banu of the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad criticized the low female participation, warning it could hinder women's rights.
The rise of Jamaat-e-Islami, known for its conservative stance, has alarmed women fearing a rollback of gains.
Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is the frontrunner, and Jamaat expresses optimism for change.

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Story summary

Turnout neared 50% in Bangladesh's parliamentary elections, with only 4.1% of candidates being women.
Dr. Maleka Banu of the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad criticized the low female participation, warning it could hinder women's rights.
The rise of Jamaat-e-Islami, known for its conservative stance, has alarmed women fearing a rollback of gains.
Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is the frontrunner, and Jamaat expresses optimism for change.