On foot, against odds: How 4 female candidates campaigning in Ctg ahead of Feb polls

In the 13th national election slated for 12 February, a total of 113 candidates are contesting in 16 constituencies in Chattogram. Of them, only four are women, which is less than 3.5% of all candidates, despite women making up nearly 48% of the total voters in the district.

According to the Chattogram Returning Officer's office, Basad (Marxist) nominee Asma Akter and Insaniyat Biplob Bangladesh-supported Sabina Khatun are contesting Chattogram-10 (Double Mooring–Khulshi–Halishahar).

Besides, Basad (Marxist)-backed Dipa Majumder is contesting Chattogram-11 (Port–Patenga) while independent candidate Jinnat Akter is from Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari).

Door-to-door campaigning with limited resources

With limited funds and a small number of activists, Asma has been campaigning on foot for the past 10 days, avoiding large processions, loud microphones, or showdowns.

Her campaign revolves around distributing leaflets, speaking to pedestrians at street corners, and holding small roadside meetings.

This afternoon (1 February), she carried out a campaign at Chowmuhani in the city, where she drew a small crowd.

"I do not have the money or manpower to organise large rallies. But I believe real politics is about talking directly to people," Asma told The Business Standard.

While addressing a roadside rally at Bahaddarhat on Friday, she alleged that supporters were being threatened by rival parties and warned against voting for her.

Chattogram-10 has 4, 86,316 voters and 139 polling centres, with nine candidates in the race, including nominees from the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.

Pointing at media coverage, she alleged, "The media mostly highlights established parties. Even their minor activities become news, while small parties like ours receive little coverage. That puts us at a disadvantage."

Describing politics as more challenging for women, the candidate said that there is very little space for women in this system. That is why she feels staying in the field and talking to people directly. 

A double struggle for women candidates

Candidate Dipa said women candidates face structural and social barriers in a patriarchal society.

"A male candidate can campaign from 10pm to midnight without issue. For women, social attitudes often make that impossible," she said, adding that she still tries her best to comply with all codes of conduct set by the Election Commission.

She noted that while men campaigning during prayer times is rarely criticised, women often face backlash for similar activities. "Personally, I always respect prayer times. I wait until the azan ends before campaigning," she said.

Candidate Sabina said they are trying to build unity around humanitarian values, but often face derogatory remarks simply for being women in politics.

Meanwhile, independent candidate Jinnat is also trying to reach voters outside the influence of major parties, relying largely on personal interactions rather than organisational strength.