Next govt to ensure women's safety, curb graft, end extortion

Women voters across several polling centres in the capital described the voting atmosphere peaceful and festive on Thursday, and expressed hope that the 13th National Parliamentary Election would usher in a government committed to ensuring women's safety, curbing corruption, and ending extortion.
After casting their ballots, the voters said they felt relieved and empowered to participate in a 'free, fair and orderly' election. Many of them emphasised personal integrity of candidates, their stance on women's rights, and commitment to public welfare as the key factors in making their choices.
From the first-time voters to the mothers who brought their children to witness the democratic process, women across Dhaka voiced optimism that the next government would guarantee peace, stability and equal rights, particularly greater security and dignity for women in society.
Sammi Akter Nitol, a voter, said she felt relieved to be able to vote after a long gap. "For the past 17 years, we've been deprived of our voting rights. It feels very good to vote today. I want a government that is free from corruption and extortion."
She said she prioritised the candidates who were supportive of women's rights and safety. "I'm a woman and have a daughter. We need security in society. I gave importance to how women-friendly a candidate is," she added.
Nusrat Ahmed Sneha, a first-time voter from Gendaria, said she was happy to cast her vote peacefully. "It feels great to vote for the first time. We want a government that will give priority to young people and work for the welfare of the country," she said.
Another voter, Asha Akter, said she was pleased with the orderly environment inside the polling centre. "Earlier, there used to be irregularities in voting, but this time I've not seen that. I hope whichever party comes to power will be women-friendly."
She added that women are still neglected in many areas of society, and they often face harassment. "The next government should ensure women's rights," she added.
Several voters also said they considered the candidates' personal integrity and past contributions to people while making their choice.
Nurjahan Hossain, a 26-year-old voter, said she voted for the first time, at Gendaria Mahila Samity Government Primary School centre of Dhaka-6 constituency, although she was eligible to vote in the previous election.
"The expectation is very high this time, and I've come to vote, as the election is free, air and credible."
She hoped that the next elected government would create an environment where peace and stability would prevail and women's safety would be ensured.
Ummul Wara Flora, a voter at Khilgaon Model University College, expressed her satisfaction and peace, and said she had stayed at the centre after casting her vote to enjoy the festive environment there.
"After seventeen years, I can cast votes without fear, as none is standing behind and pushing me to cast vote for their candidates," she told the FE.
Tasnuva, a resident of Banasree area, came to Madartek along with other female members of her extended family, including two young girls. All were enthusiastic to cast votes and felt joyous to roam around in a festive mood.
"Though two of my daughters are not voters, I've brought them with us to show them the election environment and feel its dignity in life," she told the FE at Basabo.
Rifat Ara Rahman, 34, told The Financial Express that she had earlier planned to skip voting, but later decided to cast her ballot for the first time in a national election.
She had been afraid to vote because of a bad experience during a previous election, where the behaviour of officials and others was rough.
However, this time the situation was different, she added.

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