NILIMA JAHAN

As Bangladesh moves towards the February 12 national election, women, who make up half the electorate, say political rhetoric no longer moves them.

What they want from the next government, they say, is not another round of promises, but evidence that long-pledged commitments will finally be acted upon.

From domestic workers and students to professionals, entrepreneurs and activists, their demands converge around a few urgent priorities: safety without fear, justice without delay, secure livelihoods, accessible healthcare, and recognition as equal citizens.

These demands are not new. But rising violence, a shrinking civic space, job losses, economic insecurity, continued neglect of women’s health, and the shelving of 423 recommendations by the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission have widened the gap between promises and delivery, with women paying the price in their daily lives.

The Daily Star spoke to 20 women across professions and Taslima

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