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UN Urges Safe, Inclusive Participation for Women in Bangladesh Polls

The United Nations has issued a statement emphasizing the fundamental right to safe and inclusive participation ahead of Bangladesh's national parliamentary election. It expresses specific concern over reports of violence, harassment, and digital abuse targeting women candidates, voters, and public figures. The UN calls on all political stakeholders to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards such intimidation throughout the electoral process. It reaffirms its support for authorities in ensuring security and upholding the rights of every individual.

Key Points: UN Calls for Women's Safety in Bangladesh Elections

  • UN calls for safe women's participation
  • Concerns over digital violence and harassment
  • Zero-tolerance approach to intimidation urged
  • Support for Bangladesh Election Commission
2 min read

UN calls for 'safe, inclusive' participation of women in Bangladesh elections

UN statement highlights concerns over violence, harassment, and digital abuse against women candidates and voters ahead of Bangladesh's national election.

"safe, inclusive, and meaningful participation in public life is a fundamental right - United Nations"

Dhaka, February 11

As Bangladesh prepares for the 13th National Parliamentary Election on February 12, the United Nations underscored that safe, inclusive, and meaningful participation in public life is a fundamental right.

This includes the rights of all women and girls, including women with disabilities, women from minority communities, gender diverse people, and others who may face heightened barriers, discrimination or gender-based violence, the UN said in a statement on Wednesday. Ahead of the election, the United Nations noted concerns raised by women's groups and civil society organisations on violence and harassment of women candidates and voters, including digital violence.

Women in public life, including political leaders, activists, journalists, and human rights defenders, are reporting increased incidents of cyberbullying, deepfakes, coordinated harassment, and image-based abuse, including AI-altered and sexualized content, it added.

The United Nations has consistently advocated for women's meaningful representation and leadership across all stakeholders and is supporting the Bangladesh Election Commission in boosting women's electoral participation and representation. It is essential that all voters, including women, can participate as candidates and voters without intimidation, discrimination, online abuse or fear of reprisals, the statement said.

The United Nations called on all stakeholders, including political leaders and their parties and supporters, to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to intimidation, harassment, and any other form of violence against women throughout the electoral process.

"This applies equally to women candidates and voters, whose participation and safety are essential to inclusive democratic processes. We are confident that authorities will continue to take steps to uphold security and the rule of law, and to ensure the safety and rights of every individual. The United Nations remains committed to supporting authorities in ensuring the safety and rights of every individual", it said. "We would greatly appreciate it if you could share this message on your platform and to your pertinent networks and stakeholders", the statement said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good that the UN is speaking up. Neighbouring countries' stability is good for the whole region. Hope Bangladesh authorities take concrete steps. The mention of AI-altered content is scary - that's a new frontier of harassment we all need to be aware of.
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Sarah B
While the statement is well-meaning, I hope it leads to actual on-ground protection and not just words. Often these international calls don't translate to safer polling booths for women, especially in rural areas. The proof will be in the voting day.
A
Aman W
Inclusion of women with disabilities and from minority communities is crucial. Democracy is only real when everyone has a voice. India has made progress with reserved seats for women in local bodies - maybe Bangladesh can learn from that model?
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Kavya N
The digital violence point hits home. So many female journalists and activists face coordinated harassment campaigns. It's designed to silence them. Zero-tolerance must start with political parties reining in their own supporters online. All the best to our sisters in Bangladesh!

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