Bangladesh Election: Transgender Candidate Flags 'Smear Campaign' As She Hopes For Upset Victory

Bangladesh General Election 2024: Anwara Islam Rani, a 31-year-old transgender candidate, is optimistic about securing an upset victory while she highlighted an alleged smear campaign against her over her identity.

File Photo of Anwara Islam Rani, a 31-year-old transgender candidate, contesting the Bangladesh General Election. ( Image Source :Facebook: Anwara Ishlam Rani )

Bangladesh General Election 2024: In the midst of Bangladesh's one-sided election, Anwara Islam Rani, a 31-year-old transgender candidate, is optimistic about securing an upset victory that could position her as a rare opposition voice in the country's parliament. The polls are set to take place on Sunday, and Rani has garnered significant support, drawing hundreds of people to her rallies since the commencement of the campaign last month, news agency AFP reported.

Speaking to AFP late Friday, Rani expressed confidence, stating, "I have got unbelievably positive responses from the voters. A win is possible if the vote is free and fair and people can cast their ballot in a peaceful atmosphere."

However, the election has faced controversy as dozens of opposition parties have boycotted it, citing concerns about fairness. They argue that the electoral process could mirror the widespread irregularities witnessed in previous polls that led to victories for Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, AFP's report stated.

The ruling Awami League has notably refrained from fielding candidates in Rani's constituency and a few other seats, seemingly aiming to avoid the perception of the next parliament as a one-party institution. As an independent candidate, Rani is pitted against G.M. Quader, a former aviation minister and leader of a party with longstanding ties to the current government.

Rani, known for her activism and organisational work for transgender rights campaigns, acknowledged the support she received from a small but dedicated group of backers who helped stage rallies and canvass voters. Despite being born into a conservative family in the majority-Muslim nation, she highlighted her family's support for her campaign, which primarily focuses on advocating for improved healthcare and employment opportunities, the report stated.

Bangladesh General Election: Rani Claims 'Smear Campaign' By Opponent

Addressing challenges faced during her candidacy, Rani claimed a "smear campaign" orchestrated by her opponent to sway public opinion. "My opponent attempted to sway public opinion by claiming that electing a transgender MP would damage Rangpur's reputation nationally and internationally," she remarked, as quoted by AFP.

In Rangpur, a northern city in Bangladesh, Rani found major support for her candidacy, transcending the obstacles posed by the alleged smear campaign. "Anwara's courage gives us hope," remarked Latifur Rahman, a voter in Rani's constituency, as per the report. "She is not just a candidate for us; she is a symbol of the fight for dignity and equality and also for the fight towards an inclusive society."

Transgender women, known as "hijra" across the Asian subcontinent, have witnessed increasing legal recognition in Bangladesh over the past decade, officially recognised as a third gender. Despite this progress, they continue to grapple with challenges, including a lack of property and marriage rights and discrimination in employment, AFP reported.

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