Dilruba Nuri, running for the Bogura-6 (Sadar) seat in the 13th national parliamentary election, is actively engaging in a grassroots campaign across a constituency with around five lakh voters. Using a handheld loudspeaker and donations from supporters, she is making her presence felt in the electoral landscape.
Among the 34 candidates competing for seven parliamentary seats in Bogura, Nuri, aged 38, stands out as the sole female contender. Representing the Democratic United Front, a coalition of nine left-leaning parties, she is running with the symbol of “Ladder” (Moi).
A lawyer professionally, Nuri is frequently seen navigating the streets of Bogura town, going door-to-door to connect with voters. Occasionally utilizing a pickup van to broaden her outreach, financial constraints persist as a challenge.
Nuri emphasized that her campaign solely relies on modest contributions from well-wishers. Her political journey began in 2003 with the Samajtantrik Chhatra Front. Holding positions such as the district member secretary of the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (BSD) and the central general secretary of the Socialist Women’s Forum since 2022, she is dedicated to advocating for the fundamental rights of the working class, particularly those facing harsh living conditions in urban settings.
At the core of her manifesto is the commitment to ensure employment opportunities for all and food security for every individual. Additionally, she promises to foster an inclusive society free of discrimination and ensure a respectable standard of living for all citizens.
Highlighting gender biases that persist, Nuri expressed concerns over how female leaders and activists are judged based on their attire during campaigns. She also criticized a prevailing culture where voters expect monetary incentives in exchange for their support.
Questioning the validity of a system where voters demand money in return for votes, Nuri called for a critical examination of the nation’s electoral norms. Her ultimate goal, she stated, is to secure a dignified and humane life for the populace, steering away from dehumanizing conditions often associated with poverty.
