Ensure security of female voters

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) yesterday demanded that the Election Commission (EC) take necessary steps to ensure security of female voters so that they can vote peacefully and do not face any violence before and after the upcoming national polls.

The women rights organisation also sought that the EC introduce a provision for “no” vote and ensure the polls free from the influence of "black money" and power.

BMP placed an 11-point demand at a press conference at its office in Dhaka.

In a written statement, its President Ayesha Khanam said when the country's political situation becomes unstable, many untoward incidents and crises arise and women and marginalised people become the worst sufferers.

As an independent and neutral organisation, she said, the EC will have to take effective measures in order to hold a free, fair and neutral election.

“It is the duty of the Election Commission to hold a free, neutral and acceptable election by ensuring participation of all. The commission needs to earn people's confidence to this end,” Ayesha said.

The parishad members said the EC will have to stop use of religion in electioneering.

The women rights body also demanded ensuring 33 percent women candidates in all political parties and increase in the number of polling centres and booths for women.

BMP urged women voters to boycott those who repress women and issue fatwa.

At the same time, they said, the political parties should pledge to ensure gender equality in their election manifestos.