United News of Bangladesh

Despite decades of pledges to ensure women’s political empowerment, the upcoming national election paints a starkly different picture, with female representation on the ballot remaining alarmingly low. More than 30 registered political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have fielded no female candidates, leaving women to make up less than 4.5% of all aspirants in the 13th parliamentary election. Of the 2,568 nomination papers submitted for the election, only 109 were filed by women—just 4.24 per cent of the total, according to data reviewed by UNB. The election will see participation from 51 political parties, yet more than 30 of them, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, have failed to nominate even a single woman candidate, raising fresh concerns over gender inclusion in national politics. After scrutiny, the Election Commission (EC) has validated 1,842 candidates, including 1,779 men and only 63 women, meaning women make up just 3.4 percent of the final candidates. Later, 417 candidates regained their candidacies after appealing to the Election Commission. January 20 was the last day for the withdrawal of candidacies. Biased admin forced me out of constituency on day one of campaign: Rumeen According to the Election Commission (EC), a total of 1,981 candidates, including 76 women, are contesting the 13th national parliamentary election, with women making up only 3.84% of the total. Meanwhile, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) noted that women make up only 3.38% of party-affiliated candidates, while the share is 10% among independent candidates. According to EC data, the upcoming election will have 12 crore 77 lacs 11 thousand 793 registered voters, including 64 crore 8 lacs 25 thousand 361 men, 62 crore 8 lacs 85 thousand 200 women, and 1,232 third-gender voters. Legal framework and previous elections Under Section 22(ka)-(gha) of the July 2025 National Consensus Ordinance, every political party was to nominate at least 5 percent women candidates in the parliamentary election, gradually increasing to 33 percent in future polls. But the ordinance has not yet been implemented, making the rule effectively non-binding. Historical participation has remained low. According to Transparency International Bangladesh, women candidates accounted for 3.51 percent (55 women) in 2008, 5.55 percent (30 women) in 2014, and just 0.81 percent (73 women) in 2018. In the 12th Jatiya Sangsad, 20 women were elected, representing 6.67 percent, the highest in four consecutive parliaments. In the 9th Jatiya Sangsad, women lawmakers accounted for 3.32 percent, in the 10th Jatiya Sangsad 6.55 percent, and in the 11th Jatiya Sangsad just 3.68 percent. Party-wise breakdown Of the 51 parties contesting, only few fielded women aspirants. BNP had nominated women for the highest 15 constituencies but now has 11 valid women candidates following scrutiny, after the rejection of Fatema Khanam’s nomination (Natore-3) and non-scrutiny of three nominations of Khaleda Zia. Other women candidates nominated by political parties include: 9 from Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Marxist, 6 each from Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) and Insaniat Biplab Bangladesh, 5 each from Ganasamhati Andolan and Jatiya Party, 3 each from Ganaodhikar Parishad (GOP), National Citizen Party (NCP), which emerged from mass uprising, nominated only three women out of its 44 candidates. Others including AB Party, 2 each from Gong Forum and Biplobi Workers Party, 1 each from Bangladesh Muslim League, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP), Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-Basosd, Bangladesh Republican Party, National People’s Party (NPP), Aamjanatar Dal, Islami Front Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Labour Party, nominated female candidates. EC warns against code violations over voter data collection campaign day During scrutiny, several women aspirants lost candidacy: three from Basad, and one each from Jatiya Party, Ganasamhati Andolan, Biplabi Workers Party, AB Party, NPP, and Bangladesh Labour Party. Among 37 independent women aspirants, only six nominations were declared valid: Sabina Yasmin (Natore-2), Dr. Tasnim Zara (Dhaka-9), Meherjan Ara Talukdar (Jamalpur-4), Akhtar Sultana (Mymensingh-6), Tahmina Zaman (Netrakona-4), and Rumeen Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2). Among the parties, 276 aspirants from Jamaat-e-Islami, 268 from Islami Andolon Bangladesh, 224 from Jatiya Party, 104 from Gano Odhikar Parishad, 94 from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, and other smaller parties, each with fewer than 40 aspirants, also have no female candidates. Potential impact In a recent report, the international human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) noted that out of 51 political parties contesting the upcoming general election, 30 have not nominated a single woman candidate. The report highlighted that one of Bangladesh’s major parties, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has not fielded any women candidates in the constituencies where it is contesting. While Bangladesh has previously had two female prime ministers and witnessed significant participation of women in the student-led movements of 2024, HRW noted that women in the country are still largely deprived of the right to participate meaningfully in politics. Political parties must be held accountable for failing to nominate at least five percent women candidates in the upcoming national election despite pledging to do so under the July National Charter, said the Women’s Political Rights Forum (FWPR). The forum urged political parties to treat women’s nomination as a constitutional obligation rather than a token gesture and called for structural reforms to integrate women into leadership roles and ensure a gender-responsive political system. At a press conference titled “Nomination Crisis of Women Candidates: Gap between Parties’ Commitments and Implementation and the Accountability of the Election Commission” held at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity, forum leaders expressed concern over women’s extremely low participation. Forum leader Reetu Satter readout a written speech in the press conference where she said the women had prominent roles in the uprising of July in 2024, but women candidates were deprived of getting party nominations for Jatiya Sangsad. Forum leader Samina Yasmin said women voters constitute nearly 50 percent, or possibly more, of the electorate. “If women make up 51 percent of voters, our next critical task is to raise awareness about women’s rights, organize them, and ensure their active political participation. Is it realistic to come to power by excluding 51 percent of the population and relying on the remaining 49 percent? This is a fundamental question,” she said. Samina said the forum is trying to work directly and indirectly with women leaders who are contesting the election and actively campaigning. “We are observing what kinds of challenges they are facing, how they are addressing them and what effective pathways could be developed to tackle these challenges in the future.” Despite widespread discussions on women’s rights, the number of female candidates in this election remains alarmingly low, forcing a serious reassessment of the situation, Samina added. Meanwhile, the Social Resistance Committee, a platform of 71 organizations working on women, human rights, and development issues, has expressed concern over the low number of women candidates in the upcoming election. In a statement, the committee said that given the prevailing misogynistic culture in society, women are hesitant to contest as independent candidates. It described this as a reflection of the patriarchal political culture and a strategy to maintain male-dominated politics. Highlighting the need for women’s visible participation in elections and politics, the Social Resistance Committee urged all political parties and the Election Commission to ensure women’s equal participation in political decision-making and governance, emphasizing that this is essential for building a democratic and equitable society.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Friday said North Bengal would be developed into a hub of agro-based industries if his party comes to power. “North Bengal supplies food and nutrition to the entire country, yet the region has been deliberately neglected,” he said while addressing a public rally of the ten-party alliance in Panchagarh. He said Jamaat does not want to see unemployment in the region in the future and aims to turn citizens, especially youths, into skilled contributors to national development. “We want to reopen the sugar mills and bring the workers back to their workplaces,” he said. The Jamaat Ameer said the party does not rely on any ‘card’. “You—brothers and sisters—are our only cards.” “We will strengthen both men and women,” he said, adding that Jamaat wants to build Bangladesh together like a family, “InshaAllah.” “We were, we are, and we will remain with the people of Bangladesh during all challenges. We will fight together, InshaAllah,” he said. The Jamaat chief said five years would be enough to change the scenario of North Bengal, noting that the region’s fertile land and hardworking people leave no reason for it to lag behind. Referring to healthcare, he said many patients lose their lives while travelling long distances to access quality medical facilities in the capital. “If we come to power, a medical college will be established in every district of Bangladesh, including Panchagarh,” he said. He also vowed that no one would be allowed to steal public money in the future. Speaking about the July warriors and freedom fighters, Dr Rahman said, “Though we may not be able to fully repay the debt of your sacrifices, we will try our best, InshaAllah.”  

A total of 55 people, including 22 supporters of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, joined Jamaat-e-Islami in Chuadanga on Thursday, the first day of the campaign for the 13th national parliament election. The joining ceremony was held at the football playground of Gaidghat village in Makhaldanga Union under Chuadanga Sadar Upazila, where the new members were welcomed with flower garlands. NCP officially launches election campaign from Dhaka University According to party sources, the 22 leaders joined Jamaat-e-Islami under the leadership of Shahin Ali, health affairs secretary of Makhaldanga Union Islami Andolan. Besides, 15 people led by Rana Ali and 18 other local residents also joined the party. Amir of Makhaldanga Union Jamaat-e-Islami Mohsin Ali presided over the programme. Jamaat-e-Islami’s nominated MP candidate for Chuadanga-1 constituency and district assistant secretary Masud Parvez Rusel attended the event as the chief guest. Ameer-e-Jamaat launches campaign for Dhaka-15 in Mirpur Former district Jamaat amir Anwarul Haque Malik, Sadar Upazila amir Billal Hossain, assistant secretary Shahenuzzaman, Sajibul Islam Nayan, Asir Uddin Mamun, Mamun Howlader, Dr Ahmed Monir, and other party leaders and activists were present as special guests.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman addressed seven election rallies in just 16 hours on the first day of his campaign. He addressed the final rally of the day at Gausia in Narayanganj’s Rupganj around 4:30 am Friday, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Reach polling centres before Fajr to safeguard votes: Tarique Later, he returned to his Gulshan residence, completing the first day of electioneering. Tarique began his day at 12:30 pm on Thursday with his first rally at Aliya Madrasa field in Sylhet. He then addressed rallies sequentially at Ainpur playground in Sherpur, Moulvibazar, Shayestaganj Upazila field in Habiganj, Kuttapara playground in Sarail Upazila, Brahmanbaria, Bhairab Stadium in Kishoreganj, and a municipal-adjacent area in Narsingdi No loan defaulter to be allowed to rule Bangladesh: Nahid  Traveling continuously for 16 hours, Tarique drew large crowds at rallies along the route late into the night. On the second day of campaigning, Tarique is scheduled to attend an election rally at BRB Ground, Bhashantek, in the Dhaka-17 constituency at 6pm Friday.

A local BNP leader was injured in a gun attack by miscreants in Keraniganj on Thursday night. The victim was identified as Hasan Mollah, 45, son of Akar Mollah of Jagannathpur village under Keraniganj thana. He is the general secretary of Hazratpur Union BNP under the Dhaka-2 constituency. He was shot by unidentified assailants around 9:00pm, said M Saiful Alam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Keraniganj Model Police Station. He was initially taken to Square Hospital in critical condition and later shifted to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) around 10:45 pm for further treatment. Rakib Hossain, younger brother of the injured BNP leader, said miscreants arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire in front of the house of the Hero Chairman of Ward No. 7 before fleeing. The bullets hit Hasan Mollah on the right side of his abdomen, he added. Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the police camp at DMCH, said a man from Keraniganj was brought to the hospital with gunshot wounds and is currently undergoing treatment in the emergency department.  

NCP convener Nahid Islam warned that loan defaulters should not be allowed into power, saying they would plunder the country rather than repay debts if elected to parliament. Speaking at a public gathering organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for Dhaka-15 constituency, Nahid said, “The people of Bangladesh do not want to witness looting. We will not let looters come to power, and the people will not either.” Addressing the city’s low-income and underprivileged residents, he said a political party promised flats to slum dwellers, but they actually seek a safe life, which is possible even in slum areas. He alleged that past attempts to provide flats ended in eviction after elections, and now the slum dwellers recognize these as empty promises. “They will vote not for flats but for justice and the nation’s interest.” Read more: NCP officially launches election campaign from Dhaka University Criticizing BNP’s promised family card scheme, Nahid questioned its feasibility, asking, “Who will actually receive the 2,000-3,000 Taka cards? Will the genuinely needy get them, or will they have to pay a bribe of 1,000 Taka?” He accused a major political party of nominating loan defaulters, saying the party is simultaneously offering family cards while trying to bring debtors to parliament to carry out looting. Nahid also urged the Election Commission to ensure a fair and transparent election, warning against giving undue advantage to any party. “The commission must act impartially. We are still active on the ground and will not tolerate injustice.” Read more: Feb-12 polls must be fair, with no room for bias: Prof Yunus Calling the upcoming election more than just a contest between rivals, he appealed for a ‘Yes’ vote in the national referendum. “We must vote yes to reject discrimination, extortion, injustice, oppression, and authoritarianism. The fight against fascism and exploitation must continue.” Speaking on behalf of the 10-party alliance led by Jamaat, Nahid urged city residents to vote for the coalition’s candidates, adding, “Cast your vote at Dariapalla and Shapla Kali; ensure the victory of our 10-party alliance candidates.”

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged his party leaders, activists and voters to go to polling centres before Fajr prayers on the election-day to prevent any vote rigging. “Many people say voters should stand in line after Fajr prayers on the election-day. I say this time you should wake up earlier, offer Tahajjud prayers and then prepare to go to the polling centre,” he said. Addressing his party’s third election rally at Shayestaganj Upazila Parishad ground in Habiganj, the BNP chairman also said, “If needed, go to the polling centre early and offer Fajr prayers there in congregation before casting your votes.” Calling the upcoming election very important, he said only BNP can change the fate of the people, and for that, voters must cast their votes for the party. In an indirect reference to Jamaat-e-Islam, Tarique alleged that a political party is trying to steal the votes of expatriates. “They worked against the Liberation War. Everyone must remain alert and cautious about them.” Tarique said those who claim to establish honest rule do not need to be newly identified, as the people of the country recognised them during the Liberation War. The BNP Chairman also said Bangladesh belongs to its people, not to any individual or group. “This country is owned by the people. It is not anyone’s personal property. The thousands of people sitting in front of me are the real owners of this country. You have to decide how you want the country to be run, and you must give that decision through your vote,” he said. Earlier, the BNP chairman’s motorcade reached Shayestaganj shortly before Maghrib prayers. After arriving at the venue, Tarique Rahman went on stage and offered Maghrib prayers in congregation. Addressing the rally, Tarique alleged that even before the election, a political party has been collecting bKash account numbers and National Identity (NID) card details from men and women in rural areas. “But they claim they want to establish governance by honest people.” Tarique also said there has been no real voting or elections in the country over the last 15 years. “For the past 15 years, elections have been a mockery. People were not able to vote in so-called elections.” The BNP leader said many young people in the country have never been able to vote since reaching voting age. “We want people to be able to vote freely on February 12.” Tarique urged voters to elect candidates whom they can approach and speak to about local problems. Referring to development, the BNP chairman said no real progress was made in the region during the previous government’s tenure. “Just look at the condition of the highway to understand the situation. The condition of village roads must be even worse.” Tarique alleged that the country has been ruined over the last 15 years and that public money has been siphoned off abroad. “To save the country from widespread corruption, people must come forward. The people themselves must decide who will run the country in the coming days.” Outlining BNP’s plans, Tarique said if BNP comes to power, family cards would be introduced for poor rural households. He said BNP will provide technical training and send skilled workers abroad, introduce agriculture cards to help farmers get fertiliser and seeds, and launch crop insurance. The BNP chairman also said government honorariums will be introduced for imams, khatibs and muezzins. Earlier in the day, at around 1:00 pm, he formally began his election campaign at the Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground. After addressing a rally there, he travelled by road to Sherpur in Moulvibazar to speak at another gathering.  

The National Citizen Party (NCP) officially kicked off its election campaign on Thursday afternoon by paying respect at the graves of the Three National Leaders, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Khawaja Nazimuddin, and Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq, located near Doel Chattar of Dhaka University. Following this, party leaders visited the graves of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and Osman Hadi, situated adjacent to the Dhaka University Central Mosque. The event was attended by the NCP Convener Nahid Islam, as well as Nasir Uddin Patwari, a candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency. Speaking at the venue, Nahid Islam noted that Dhaka University was the starting point for the Language Movement, the Liberation War, and the mass uprising of 2024. Consequently, the NCP chose this historic site to begin its electoral journey. Ameer-e-Jamaat launches campaign for Dhaka-15 in Mirpur "We want the election to be held on February 12 at any cost," Nahid Islam stated. "Our sole agenda now is to win that election and represent the people in Parliament." He further alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is failing to maintain neutrality under the current government’s influence. "We have repeatedly pointed out that the Commission is not acting impartially. They are granting special privileges to a particular party. While that party has been campaigning for several days despite it being against the rules, the EC served us a show-cause notice for campaigning in favor of a referendum. We demand true neutrality, yet we are determined to move forward regardless of these obstacles." Nahid Islam emphasized that the NCP remains as steadfast regarding elections and referendums as it has been regarding reforms and justice. "We will do whatever is necessary to ensure a fair election on February 12. We expect the 10-party electoral alliance to win by a landslide and form the government," he added. He asserted that the general public is with them and that there is no alternative to a victory for the 10-party alliance to carry forward the spirit of the July uprising and the momentum of national reform. Urging the nation to support the alliance, he said, "We have 30 candidates across the country. I call upon the people to elect them under the 'Shaplakoli' symbol. In Parliament, the NCP and the 10-party alliance will be the voice of the common people, the mass uprising, national reform, and our country's sovereignty."

The Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, officially inaugurated his campaign for the 13th National Parliamentary Election on Thursday afternoon. The campaign kicked off with a massive public rally held at Adarsha High School in Mirpur-10, part of the Dhaka-15 (Mirpur-Kafrul) constituency. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, the Jamaat chief signaled the start of a nationwide movement for the party. The atmosphere in Mirpur was electric from the morning, as thousands of supporters arrived in processions, carrying the party’s election symbol, the "Scale" (Daripalla). By midday, the venue and surrounding areas were packed to capacity, decorated extensively with banners and festoons, which are now legal for a limited period. The rally was attended by several prominent leaders of Jamaat and of parties in its alliance, including Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), Engineer Rashed Pradhan, Vice President and Spokesperson of JAGPA, Advocate Ehsanul Mahboob Zubair, Assistant Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, and Saiful Alam Khan Milon, Central Executive Council member and candidate for Dhaka-12. Also seen were some of the high profile Jamaat candidates from Dhaka, Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem (Dhaka-14), Colonel (Retd.) Abdul Baten (Dhaka-16), and Dr. SM Khaliduzzaman (Dhaka-17). The event was presided over by Abdur Rahman Musa, the seat coordinator and Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat's Dhaka North City unit, while former Chhatrashibir President Zahidul Islam moderated the session. Dr. Saif Khan, son of the late Abdul Hannan Khan, delivered the opening speech. Local leaders, including Abdul Matin Khan and Anwarul Karim, also addressed the crowd, emphasizing a festive yet determined start to their electoral journey.  

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday accused a political party of trying to mislead people, especially women, by selling ‘tickets-to-heaven’ in exchange for votes. “There is a political party whose role we saw 50 years ago. They are now going to the homes of innocent mothers and sisters and selling ‘tickets to Jannah’. This is not hypocrisy alone as it is outright shirk,” he said in an oblique reference to Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. He made the remarks while addressing his party’s second election rally at Ainpur playground in Sherpur area of Moulvibazar district on Thursday afternoon. The BNP chairman recalled that the Jamaat leaders killed many people in 1971 during the country’s Liberation War. “Now they are misleading many people again and dragging them towards shirk (in the name of a ticket to Jannah).” “Those who are deceiving people by hurting religious sentiments before the election—just think how they will deceive the people if they come to power,” he warned the voters. Stating that people are the main strength of his party, Tarique called upon the voters to vote for the party’s electoral symbol Sheaf of Paddy to restore democracy and bring change to people’s lives. “If we want to save the country, restore democracy and change people’s destiny through the election scheduled for the 12th of next month, then where should we cast our vote? We must vote for the Sheaf of Paddy,” he said. Referring to past sacrifices, the BNP leader said many people shed their blood and many others became victims of enforced disappearances for the right to vote and democracy. Tarique urges voters to back BNP, warns against vote fraud Calling on all citizens to work together for rebuilding the country, Tarique said BNP is committed to protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty. “We must reintroduce a democratic process and ensure people’s right to speak freely. Which party can guarantee this? Only the Sheaf of Paddy can,” he said. The BNP leader claimed that elections at different levels were held in a largely fair manner when BNP was in power. “People could speak freely, criticise the government and no one was subjected to enforced disappearance or killing,” he added. Tarique alleged that one political party handed over the country’s sovereignty in 1971, while another did the same over the last 16 years. “That is why voting for the Sheaf of Paddy is essential to save the country and change people’s fate.” He also briefly outlined his plans for the country’s future development during the speech. The rally was presided over by Moulvibazar district BNP President Naser Rahman. BNP candidates from different constituencies in the district also spoke at the programme. Earlier in the day, Tarique formally began his election campaign by addressing a rally at Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground. After Moulvibazar, he is scheduled to address rallies in Habiganj’s Shayestaganj, Brahmanbaria’s Sarail, Kishoreganj’s Bhairab, Narsingdi and Narayanganj’s Araihazar and Rupganj areas.