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Stakeholders urged to collaborate in addressing challenges faced by women in electoral process
Speakers at a discussion urged the stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the challenges faced by women in the electoral process.
The collective voice of the panelists of the discussion resonated with a call for inclusive and gender-responsive policies, fostering an environment where women can actively participate in shaping the future of the nation.
Also read: With its geostrategic location, Bangladesh is a key maritime power: BIPSS
Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) organized the policy circle titled ‘Expectation of Women Voters’ at a hotel in Dhaka on Thursday.
The centered on the women voters’ expectations with speakers, Kazi Nasreen Siddiqa, Founder President and Executive Director, Education and Cultural Society; Shameem Ara Sheuli, Country Representative of InterNews Bangladesh; and Dr Nadia Binte Amin, Chairman, TARA Foundation shedding light on the challenges and aspirations of women in the political landscape.
The moderator of the discussion, Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, former foreign advisor of the caretaker government of Bangladesh and a distinguished Fellow at BIPSS, set the tone for the event by emphasizing the historical significance of women's right to vote.
He stated, "Speech was given to the Diplomat to conceal his thought. But the issue of women voters is too important to ignore."
Also read: The path Bangladesh is taking is quite challenging: BIPSS President
Dr Chowdhury provided a historical account of the evolution of women's voting rights, noting the persistent challenges faced by women throughout electoral history.
He highlighted the shift in negative perceptions after the First World War, when the right to vote became a pivotal issue. "Women cannot be kept out of election booths," he said, emphasizing the importance of gender equality in civilized politics.
Kazi Nasreen Siddiqa highlighted the diverse expectations of women voters, influenced by culture, norms, and geographic locations.
While acknowledging progress, Siddiqa raised questions about the inclusivity of the political system and the awareness of policymakers regarding the challenges faced by women in the country. She expressed concern about the declining women voter turnout, attributing it to the lack of valid research on the reasons behind this trend.
She emphasized that women in rural areas face gender-based violence and struggle with basic needs, making politics a secondary concern. Siddiqa stressed the importance of creating a safe environment for women on election days, stating, "Without democracy, women will suffer."
Sheuli, Country Representative of InterNews Bangladesh, focused on the challenges faced by women voters in the country. She highlighted the prevalent notion that women lack interest and understanding in politics, leading to biases and pressures from family members in candidate selection.
Also read: Defence diplomacy emerges as an indispensable tool for maintaining peace, stability: BIPSS president
Sheuli emphasized the need for a shift in media coverage during election campaigns, urging the Election Commission and political parties to address the challenges faced by women voters.
The declining women voter turnout in Bangladesh raised concerns for Sheuli, who stressed the importance of collective efforts to overcome these challenges. She advocated for women candidates, stating, "Women candidates can work better for the women in our country."
Sheuli acknowledged the difficulties women face in securing nominations for elections and called for concerted efforts to promote gender equality in politics.
Dr Nadia Binte Amin shared insights from a study conducted in a small village, revealing common expectations of women voters.
According to Dr. Amin, women seek honest, dedicated, and sincere representatives who will actively contribute to local development. She emphasized the evolving role of women in making independent voting decisions and their desire for voting centers near their homes due to mobility constraints.
Dr. Amin underscored the importance of economic empowerment and access to information for women, asserting that these factors play a crucial role in enhancing women's participation in the electoral process. She advocated for new faces in politics, along with increased representation of women.
The interactive session covered critical issues affecting women's participation in politics, including: election campaign funding for women, the need to address financial barriers faced by women candidates, absence of women issues in political agendas, advocacy for integrating women's concerns into the political discourse, women's rights organizations, strengthening organizations working towards women's rights and empowerment.
Diplomats based in Dhaka, former Ambassadors, representatives from international organizations, academician, and students attended the event.
Deep depression over Bay to intensify into cyclone Thursday midnight: State Minister
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur Rahman on Thursday said the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal will intensify into a cyclonic storm from 12:00am on Thursday.
It is likely to hit 11 coastal districts of the country.
He said this at a press conference after a meeting at the ministry's conference room at the Secretariat in the evening.
He said the cyclone is likely to hit the coast by 12pm on Friday. The name of the cyclone will be 'Midhili'.
A special weather bulletin of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said that the deep depression over west-central Bay and adjoining areas moved north-east wards over the same area and was centred on Thursday noon about 725 km south-west of Chattogram Seaport, 685 km south-west of Cox's Bazar port, 595 km south-west of Mongla Seaport and 590 km south-west of Payra port.
It is likely to move north-eastwards and intensify further.
Under the peripheral effect of the deep depression, heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy (289mm) rainfall with gusty wind may occur over north-Bay, their offshore islands and chars and coastal areas of Bangladesh, the bulletin reads.
Read: Ctg Port reopens after cyclone alert subsides
Maximum sustained wind speed within 48 km of the deep depression centre is about 50 kph rising to 60 kph in gusts/squalls.
Sea will remain moderate near the deep depression centre.
Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal no 3 (three).
All fishing boats and trawlers over north-Bay and deep sea have been advised to take shelter immediately.
Earlier, on Thursday morning, tourist ship operations to the Saint Martin's Island from Teknaf in Cox's Bazaar were suspended due to inclement weather, leaving over 100 tourists stranded on the island.
The local administration suspended the operation of vessels as a depression was formed over the Bay of Bengal.
Adnan Chowdhury, Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), said the vessel movement on the Teknaf- Saint Martin's route has been suspended due to the inclement weather, and it will remain halted until further notice.
Dengue: 8 more die; 1,429 hospitalised in 24hrs
Eight more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Thursday morning, raising the fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 1,528 this year.
During the period, 1,429 more patients were hospitalised with the viral fever, according to the DGHS.
Read: Deaths from dengue now 1,476 with 10 more reported Sunday
A total of 5,558 dengue patients, including 1,457 in the capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country.
So far, the DGHS has recorded 2, 98,094 dengue cases and 2, 91,008 recoveries this year.
Read: Deaths from dengue now 1,484 with 8 more reported Monday
September has so far been the deadliest month for the dengue outbreak this year with 396 fatalities and 79,598 cases, according to DGHS data.
Govt will do only routine work, no policy decision until election: Law Minister
The government will continue to do its routine work till the national election and no policy decision will be taken during this time, said Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq on Thursday.
The minister made the remarks while replying to questions from reporters at his secretariat office, a day after the announcement of the schedule of 12th parliamentary election by the Election Commision(EC).
On Wednesday evening, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal announced that the 12th parliamentary election of the country will be held on January 7.
Also read: BNP, like-minded parties stage demos protesting polls schedule
The law minister said in democracies, the government usually doesn't take any policy decisions following the announcement of election schedule to maintain the level-playing field.
“The government usually refrains from taking any policy decisions that might suggest that they (the government) are trying to attract people by taking new policy decisions,” said minister Anisul Huq.
“With the announcement of the election schedule, the Election Commission will oversee all electoral tasks. Government departments and organizations will support the commission in fulfilling its electoral responsibilities without impeding the election process.”
When asked whether any laws will be passed during this time, the law minister said no new laws will be enacted as the parliament is not in session anymore.
Also read: Awami League to start selling nomination forms on Saturday
“However, if necessary, ordinances may be issued in case of urgent needs as a special arrangement,” he said.
When questioned about the nature of routine tasks, the law minister said, "Routine work refers to the ongoing operations necessary for administrative functions. This includes tasks such as disbursing salaries for autonomous bodies and maintaining daily activities, which will proceed under the current government.”
“Ongoing development projects will continue as planned; however, no new initiatives or projects will commence during this period."
Regarding whether official transfer and promotion processes will fall under the Election Commission's jurisdiction during this time, the law minister said "It's within the Election Commission's purview to decide on handling such matters. I'm unable to provide a definitive statement on that."
Also read: Polls schedule: BNP calls 48 hr hartal from Sunday
When asked whether the EC or the Ministry of Home Affairs will oversee the police during this time, Anisul Huq said, “If the EC communicates any directives regarding the police, they will inform the Ministry of Home Affairs. And if the concerns raised by the Election Commission are deemed valid, the Home Ministry will take appropriate action based on their guidance.”
Also read: National election on January 7: CEC
Gono Odhikar Parishad announces 48-hour hartal from Sunday
A faction of Gono Odhikar Parishad, led by Nurul Haque Nur, on Thursday announced a 48-hour hartal beginning from Sunday morning demanding the cancellation of the schedule for the 12 parliamentary polls.
Party president Nurul Haque Nur came up with the announcement after staging a demonstration in the capital's Bijoynagar area in protest against the polls schedule.
He said the shutdown will begin at 6 am on Sunday and end at 6m Tuesday.
“Protests have started across the country against the announcement of the illegal election schedule. This regime will no way be allowed to hold another stage-managed election,” Nur said.
He called upon the people of all walks of life to observe the 48-hour hartal to protect the existence of the country and their voting rights.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Bangladesh Labour Party called for nationwide hartal on Sunday and Monday (November 19-20) protesting the schedule announced by the Election Commission (EC) for the upcoming 12th national parliamentary polls.
Meanwhile, Left Democratic Alliance (LDA) enforced a half-day hartal from 6 am to 2 pm and Ganatantra Mancha enforced dawn-to-dusk hartal from 6am to 6pm on Thursday protesting the polls schedule.
On Wednesday evening, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal announced that the 12th parliamentary election of the country will be held on January 7.
The CEC came up with the announcement for the next election schedule while addressing the nation.
Depression over Bay of Bengal: Over 100 tourists stranded in St Martin's Island
Tourist ship operations to Saint Martin's Island from Teknaf in Cox's Bazaar have been suspended due to inclement weather, leaving over hundred of tourists stranded on the island.
The local administration suspended the operation of vessels as a depression was formed over the Bay of Bengal.
Adnan Chowdhury, Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), said the vessel movement on Teknaf- Saint Martin's route has been suspended due to the inclement weather and it will remain halted until further notice.
Read: PM's Saint Martin’s remark nothing but a political stunt: Fakhrul
Hossainul Islam Bahardur, general secretary of Ship Owners Association, said 400 tourists went to Saint Martin's Island by three ships on Wednesday. Of them, over 100 did not return from there.
According to a special bulleting of Met office, all maritime ports have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal No 3.
Under its influence deep convection is taking place over North Bay.
Squally weather may affect the maritime ports, North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh.
Read: Ship operations on Cox’s Bazar-Saint Martin’s route begin
The sea will remain moderate near the deep depression center.
All fishing boats and trawlers in north Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice. They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.
229 BGB platoons deployed across the country
To maintain law and order, a total of 229 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across the country amid the ongoing blockade called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties.
Thirty-two BGB platoons have been deployed around garment factories in Dhaka and adjacent areas while the rest 197 platoons were deployed across the country to ensure security during blockade, said Shariful Islam, public relations officer at BGB headquarters.
152 BGB platoons deployed across the country amid BNP-Jamaat's latest blockade
The 48-hour blockade, called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties to press home their one-point demand, is underway amid arson attacks.
214 BGB platoons deployed across the country
12 arson attacks reported in 15 hrs: Fire Service
Since Election Commission’s announcement of the next general election schedule yesterday evening, the fire service has recorded 12 arson attacks across the country till 9 am today.
Read: 2 buses, one truck burned last night in Ctg
Of these, two arson attacks were reported in Dhaka division, one in Barishal division, five in Rajshahi, two in Chattogram, and one in Sylhet, said Talha Bin Zashim, station officer of Fire Service and Civil Defense Media Cell, this morning.
Two buses, two covered vans, five trucks, two human haulers and one commuter train were burnt during this period.
Read: Two trucks set on fire in Dhaka, Chattogram
The fire incidents were brought under control with the help of 21 firefighting units.
Two buses, pick-up van set on fire in Gazipur on day 2 of latest blockade
Miscreants set two buses and a pick-up van on fire on Dhaka-Tangail and Dhaka-Mymensingh highways in Gazipur during the ongoing 48-hour countrywide road-rail-waterways blockade called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties.
Read: Bus set on fire amid dawn-to-dusk hartal, blockade in Ctg
Fire service sources said that a group of miscreants set a parked bus of ‘Takwa Paribahan’ on fire on Dhaka-Tangail highway at Safipur in Kaliakoir upazila of the district early today.
A minibus was set on fire at Joina Bazar in Sripur upazila of the district around 11:45 pm.
Read: Sylhet hartal clashes: 539 BNP-Jamaat activists sued in 5 cases
Picketers also set a pick-up van on fire in Tongi area of the district.
Besides, picketers set fire to the rail tracks by placing logs at Bhurulia in Sadar upazila of the district in the morning.
Maritime ports asked to hoist local cautionary signal 3
Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep local cautionary signal 3 hoisted as the depression over the west-central Bay and adjoining area moved north-east and intensified into a deep depression.
It was centered at 6 am on Thursday about 785 km southwest of Chattogram port, 745 km southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 655 km southwest of Mongla port and 655 km southwest of Payra port, said a Met office bulletin.
It is likely to intensify and move north-east ward further.
Maritime ports asked to hoist distant cautionary signal no 1
Under its influence deep convection is taking place over north Bay.
Squally weather may affect the maritime ports, north Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh.
Maximum sustained wind speed within 48 km of the deep depression center is about 50 kph rising to 60 kph in gusts or squalls.
Maritime ports advised to hoist local cautionary signal 3
The sea will remain moderate near the deep depression center.
All fishing boats and trawlers in north Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice. They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea.
Maritime ports told to hoist cautionary signal 3