Women’s political, economic, and social mobility in Bangladesh has been obstructed by actors across the political spectrum. Under the previous autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina, feminism was tokenized. The now-banned Awami League often showcased its alignment with women’s rights while tolerating and perpetrating misogyny behind the scenes. Feminists aligned with the ruling party monopolized the discourse, deciding whose misogyny counted and whose did not. Women’s rights became performative, limited only to those who accepted authoritarian rule. At the same time, women from other parties were attacked with misogynistic slurs, and party cadres routinely perpetuated this abuse both online and offline.
This pattern has continued in the post–August 5 political landscape. Women across all parties- left, right, and centre- have faced misogynistic harassment. From being labeled “Shahbagi” (a slur targeting liberal and progressive women) to facing slut-shaming, doxxing, and public threats, women’s political presence is met with systemic abuse. While religious fundamentalist mobs remain a major source of this violence, other parties are far from innocent. Just recently, Boishakhi Akter, a student and activist with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, was physically assaulted by BNP-affiliated activists for protesting eve-teasing. That same day, a viral video showed a local BNP leader verbally abusing a woman inside a police station. Meanwhile, two Chhatra Union leaders were seen engaging in online bullying of activist Fatima Tasnim Zuma.
Bangladesh Feminist Archives may not align with all the political views held by these women. But we are firm in our belief: misogyny must be condemned wherever it occurs. No political party is above accountability. Whether it’s kicking a woman at a rally, assaulting her for reporting harassment, or coordinating online harassment campaigns, these actions are unacceptable.
Token feminism hurts all women. When feminism is used to score political points or shield parties from critique, it becomes hollow. In 2025, Bangladeshi women deserve better than to choose between the “lesser of two evils.” They deserve political spaces that are safe, accountable, and inclusive. Feminism must not be weaponized or monopolized. It must be a tool for justice for all women, regardless of their affiliations.
Bangladesh Feminist Archives 