Anwara Ishlam Rani, an independent candidate from the Rangpur-3 constituency and a human rights advocate for the hijra community, has decided to withdraw from the ongoing campaign for the 13th Parliamentary Election. The announcement was made during a press conference held last night at the premises of the Naya Adhikar Third Gender Development Organisation in Nurpur area of Rangpur city.
Rani expressed her reasons for withdrawing, stating that it was a principled protest demanding constitutional recognition of reserved seats in the Jatiya Sangsad for the hijra community and other marginalized groups. She urged voters not to vote for her electoral symbol, the Deer, emphasizing that her decision was not targeted at any specific individual or political party but was rooted in principles and movements.
In her address, Rani called for a peaceful and tolerant political atmosphere, asking for support from all political parties, candidates, supporters, as well as her own election team to prevent any tensions or conflicts arising due to her decision. She clarified that her stance was not a sign of compromise but a firm stand against discrimination.
Highlighting the plight of marginalized communities, Rani emphasized the need for constitutional recognition of reserved seats to ensure dignified participation for the hijra community and other marginalized groups. She pointed out the absence of reserved seats for hijras despite the increase in women’s reserved seats over the years.
Rani, who serves as the president of the Naya Adhikar Third Gender Development Organisation and founder of “Rupantor”, had contested as an independent candidate in the previous parliamentary election in 2024, securing 23,000 votes in Rangpur-3. The constituency includes Rangpur Sadar upazila and wards 10 to 33 of Rangpur City Corporation, with a total of 508,240 voters, including five hijra voters.