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UN Alarmed by Digital Violence Against Women in Bangladesh Elections

The United Nations has voiced deep concern over reports of violence and harassment targeting women candidates and voters ahead of Bangladesh's elections. It highlighted a surge in digital abuse, including cyberbullying, deepfakes, and coordinated online harassment against women in public life. The UN called on all political stakeholders to adopt a zero-tolerance stance towards such intimidation. The organization also expressed worry over separate reports of journalists being harassed by military and police, urging respect for fundamental freedoms.

Key Points: UN Concern Over Violence vs. Women in Bangladesh Polls

  • UN expresses concern over electoral violence
  • Focus on digital harassment of women
  • Calls for zero-tolerance approach
  • Supports Election Commission efforts
  • Also alarmed by reports of journalist harassment
2 min read

UN concerned over violence against women as Bangladesh goes to polls

UN calls for zero-tolerance to harassment & cyberbullying of women candidates and voters as Bangladesh holds elections.

"Women in public life... are reporting increased incidents of cyberbullying, deepfakes, coordinated harassment, and image-based abuse. - UN Statement"

United Nations, Feb 12

As Bangladesh goes to the polls, the world organisation has expressed concern over the reports of violence against and harassment of women candidates and voters, especially those emanating digitally, and called for a "zero-tolerance approach".

A statement from the resident coordinator's office in Dhaka on Wednesday (local time) said, "The United Nations underscores that safe, inclusive and meaningful participation in public life is a fundamental right."

"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 sexualised content," it said.

The statement called for protecting "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 United Nations calls 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," it added.

The UN "is supporting the Bangladesh Election Commission to boost women's electoral participation and representation", it said.

Earlier on Monday, Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was concerned about reports of harassment of journalists by the military and police.

"For us, it's clear and important that the elections in Bangladesh take place in an atmosphere that is peaceful, in a way that is inclusive, in line with Bangladesh's own constitution and international obligations," Dujarric said.

He was asked by a correspondent at his briefing about reports that the Army detained and released 21 staff of The Bangladesh Times office, and police assaulted a dozen journalists.

"The reports that you mentioned are extremely worrying, and we call on all political actors and their supporters to reject violence and respect fundamental freedoms, including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association," Dujarric said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Deepfakes and AI-altered content are a new, dangerous frontier in political harassment. It's not just Bangladesh; this tech can be misused anywhere. India should also take note and prepare our cyber laws to protect citizens, especially women, from such abuse.
A
Aman W
While the concern is valid, I hope the UN applies the same standard to all countries in the region. Elections should be free and fair everywhere. The reports of military detaining journalists are very worrying for any democracy.
S
Shreya B
As a woman, this hits close to home. The mention of women with disabilities and minority communities facing heightened barriers is crucial. Inclusion isn't just a word; it needs active protection. More power to all women participating in the democratic process! 💪
D
David E
Observing from outside, it's concerning when a neighbour's electoral process faces such challenges. A peaceful, inclusive election is in everyone's interest. Hope the authorities ensure a safe environment for all voters and candidates.
V
Vikram M
The focus on digital violence is timely. Our social media platforms are often toxic spaces, especially for women in public life. Political parties and their supporters everywhere must be held accountable for the behavior of their online armies. Time for some digital *sanskar*.

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