A coalition under the banner “Civil Society” formed a human chain at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka on Monday, calling on the Election Commission to ensure the safety and voting rights of women, religious minorities, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized voters ahead of the parliamentary election and referendum.
Speakers said participation by vulnerable groups would be a key measure of the election’s fairness. Economist Debapriya Bhattacharya said turnout among women, minorities, indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, and transgender people would indicate whether the state had fulfilled its responsibility to protect voters.
Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said politics and elections are being shaped by money, muscle power, religion, majoritarianism, and patriarchy, leaving marginalized communities at risk. He called on the government, Election Commission, administration, law enforcement agencies, and the military, where deployed, to ensure protection for these groups.
A delegation including Iftekharuzzaman, Khushi Kabir of Nijera Kori, and lawyer Subrata Chowdhury later met the Election Commission and raised concerns about voter safety. After the meeting, Iftekharuzzaman said the Commission assured them that steps would be taken.
Other speakers said minority communities remain fearful about post-election safety. Participants displayed placards calling for security and protection of democratic rights. Organizers also demanded safeguards for the property and security of marginalized communities after voting.
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