As the 13th National Parliamentary Election draws closer, the political atmosphere in Bangladesh is heating up. While several parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have taken to the streets over the electoral system, they are also moving forward with grassroots-level election preparations. Against this backdrop, the BNP is not limiting itself to promises and rhetoric; instead, it is adopting a strategic shift, placing special emphasis on women voters.

A New Strategy Targeting Women

To win over the so-called “silent voters” — women — the BNP is deploying its affiliated body, the Women and Child Rights Forum, as part of a nationwide campaign. Acting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has designed the roadmap for this initiative. The campaign will begin in Khulna and gradually spread across the country, led by both former and current female representatives.

The goal is not only to seek votes but also to highlight the BNP’s political stance, its 31-point plan for reforming the state structure, and to project the party’s “pro-women” image.

Program Schedule and Implementation

According to party sources, the campaign will officially begin with a series of exchange meetings in the Khulna division:

• October 14: Khulna – with representatives from Bagerhat, Satkhira, Khulna district and city.

• October 15: Jessore – joined by representatives from Magura, Narail, and Jhenaidah.

• October 16: Kushtia – with participants from Kushtia, Meherpur, and Chuadanga.

Subsequently, female representatives from different regions will return to their constituencies, organize local women leaders, form teams, and conduct door-to-door campaigns in support of the BNP’s election symbol, the paddy sheaf.

Women at the Center of Electoral Calculations

The Women and Child Rights Forum was originally formed in 2019 as a social platform to advocate for women’s and children’s rights. Over the years, it has included professionals such as doctors, lawyers, businesswomen, artists, and politicians. Now, the forum is being transformed into a political force for the upcoming election.

A BNP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“Jamaat’s female activists are already going door-to-door asking for votes. In some areas, female student activists are also involved. They are spreading negative propaganda against the BNP. As a result, we too must take to the field.”

Responding to Smear Campaigns

The BNP believes that disinformation, often laced with religious undertones, is being spread against its leaders on social media. To counter this, the Women and Child Rights Forum will actively engage with voters, not only sharing BNP’s message but also presenting what they call the “truth.”

Forum Member Secretary Nipun Roy Chowdhury stated:
“Alongside millions of party workers, a huge number of women support BNP. We must reach out to them directly. We will present the party’s plans to every household and raise awareness against the smear campaigns.”

Analysts’ Perspective

Political analysts see this women-focused initiative as a distinctive electoral strategy. While Jamaat is quietly preparing its ground-level campaign without making it public, BNP views its move to engage female voters as a necessary countermeasure.