No special situation of fear among women voters: Asif Nazrul

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has said there is no special situation of fear among women voters ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. On the contrary, women’s participation could be higher than in previous elections.

He made the remarks during a meeting with a Commonwealth observer delegation at the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment in Dhaka on Tuesday (February 10).

He added that, despite isolated incidents, these are unlikely to deter women from voting.

Comparing with past “fascist-era” conditions, when women wearing hijab or burqa were often marginalised, Dr Nazrul noted that voter engagement among women has increased.

The adviser also emphasised the need for greater public participation of women in Bangladesh’s political life and expressed optimism that political parties would be mindful of this issue.