Concerns Rise Over Women and Journalists' Safety Before Bangladesh's Election

The upcoming national parliamentary election in Bangladesh has raised serious concerns about the safety of women candidates and journalists. Reports indicate that women face harassment both online and during campaign activities. Journalists, too, are worried about their safety and the misinformation and hacking threats they might encounter during the election period. Key highlights include that only about 4 percent of the candidates in the elections are women. Nearly 30 out of 51 political parties contesting the election have not nominated any women candidates. Many women candidates have reported facing online harassment, including trolling and threats. These threats are often related to their attire or the activities they undertake during their campaigns. In addition to threats against women candidates, there are reports of wider intimidation and violence. The National Citizen Party has expressed concerns about threats targeting Hindu voters and harassment of women supporters. The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party has also reported that its female activists are facing attacks and harassment during the election campaign. The Jamaat-e-Islami party has requested the Election Commission to provide increased security for its candidates, party workers, and especially women activists. They emphasize the importance of safety for all participants to ensure a fair election process. For journalists covering the election, safety issues are also prominent. A study shows that half of female journalists fear sexual harassment, and 40 percent fear sexual assault while reporting on the elections. Furthermore, most journalists expect disinformation campaigns to target their newsrooms, and many fear hacking attempts during this sensitive period. Statistics reveal that nearly 90 percent of journalists are afraid of being physically assaulted during the elections. Around three-quarters anticipate verbal harassment, and a significant number expect intimidation from parties or groups involved. These conditions create a challenging environment for media workers trying to report freely and safely. Regarding election violence, the National Citizen Party has accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party of orchestrating violence against opposing candidates and female supporters. They claim that such parties are using violence, intimidation, and misuse of state institutions to influence the electoral process. The NCP has also detailed incidents of planned disruptions, including attacks on campaign offices and physical assaults, calling for government intervention to ensure the election remains free, fair, and impartial. This situation demonstrates the complex and often dangerous landscape surrounding the election. Threats and violence against women and journalists threaten the fairness and transparency of the process. Ensuring their safety is crucial for the integrity of these elections. The concerns raised highlight the importance of strong security measures and impartial oversight during the election period. Protecting women candidates, voters, and media personnel is essential to uphold democratic principles. As the election date approaches, authorities are urged to take steps to prevent violence and harassment, and to promote a safe environment for everyone involved.