FROM PAGE 3

account for only around 4.2 percent of candidates, which she said reflects broader problems in the country’s electoral and political systems.

She said women’s organisations had earlier met the EC and submitted recommendations on candidate selection, the influence of money and power in elections, and broader electoral reforms from a gender perspective.

While the commission later took steps to improve voting access for persons with disabilities, she said there has been no response to other demands raised by women’s groups.

Fauzia said the Committee sought another meeting with the EC ahead of the election but received no response, prompting the platform to raise its concerns through the media.

She said women’s participation in various movements has not translated into political leadership and criticised the misuse of religion and misogynistic narratives during election campaigns.

In reply to a question regarding the upcoming referendum, Fauzia said from the perspective of the women’s movement, it is difficult to support any reform initiative when recommendations of the Women’s Reform Commission are ignored, and women’s rights and misogyny are not adequately addressed.

The written memorandum was read out by Morium Nesa, manager of the Women’s Rights and Gender Equity team at ActionAid Bangladesh.

In the memorandum, the committee said women have long played a key role in struggles for democratic rights in Bangladesh, but continue to be treated merely as voters rather than full citizens.

It expressed concern over reports of violence and intimidation targeting women, minorities and disadvantaged groups ahead of the polls and urged the EC to take special measures to ensure their security and enable them to vote freely and safely.

Among its 10-point demands were ensuring security before, during and after polling, preventing online harassment and hate speech against women, special security for women candidates, and a complete ban on the use of religion in election campaigns.

The press conference was also attended by Maleka Banu, general secretary of Mahila Parishad; Shashwatee Biplob, associate director of BRAC; and representatives of other organisations under the platform.