The Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has strongly condemned a series of violent incidents targeting women in various parts of the country following the election and referendum held on February 12 under Dr. Muhammad Yunus’ mobocracy.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the rights group expressed deep outrage and concern over reports of violence against women, including assaults and sexual crimes, amid the post-election period.
The statement highlighted specific cases reported in the media, such as the harassment and beating of an independent female candidate in front of a polling station in Rajshahi, where the victim is currently receiving treatment at a district hospital.
Another grave incident involved the alleged gang rape of a housewife in the Charfesson area of Bhola district prior to or around the election period, with legal proceedings underway.
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The Mahila Parishad noted that similar attacks and injuries have been reported from multiple districts, including Sylhet, Cumilla, Narsingdi, Feni, Gazipur, Natore, Jhalokati, Narail, Pabna, Bogura, Faridpur, Jhenaidah, Chandpur, Patuakhali, Kishoreganj, and Dinajpur.
The organisation described these events as highly alarming, pointing out that the assault on a woman candidate exercising her democratic right to campaign and participate in the electoral process raises serious questions about women’s status in society, overall law and order, security conditions, and the protection of human rights in Bangladesh.
It criticised such acts as unacceptable manifestations of political rivalry, violence against women, and patriarchal attitudes.
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Mahila Parishad President Dr. Fauzia Moslem and General Secretary Maleka Banu signed the statement. They demanded an impartial and thorough investigation into all reported incidents, swift arrests of those involved, and exemplary punishments to ensure justice.
The group further urged law enforcement agencies and relevant government authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward violence against women, take immediate and effective actions, and prioritise enhanced security measures for women, girls, and minority communities. They called for building a broader social movement to prevent all forms of violence and aggression against women.
These demands come at a time when concerns over women’s safety during and after the electoral process have been raised by various groups, including international observers, amid Bangladesh’s first major national vote following significant political changes. The Mahila Parishad emphasised that safeguarding women’s rights and participation is essential for a healthy democracy.
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