HRF is deeply concerned about the rise of fundamentalism and the restrictions on womenтАЩs rights ahead of BangladeshтАЩs Feb. 12 election. HRF urges the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, @Yunus_Centre, to ensure a free and fair election and the inclusion of women and other marginalized groups.
Ahead of the election, the far-right Jamaat-e-Islami Party has gained unprecedented support and promoted its own interpretation of Sharia law. The party pushes forward policies that marginalize women, including proposals to reduce womenтАЩs hours worked outside the home.
In rural areas, religious leaders barred girls from playing football, while women have faced increased harassment for not covering their hair or dressing modestly. On Sunday, women took to the streets in a midnight march to call for equality and fair representation. Despite making up nearly half of the electorate, women account for less than four percent of all candidates.
Inclusive participation in political life for all citizens is the cornerstone of democracy. HRF calls for the better protection of the rights of women and minorities to ensure a free and fair election. Read the full statement.
