2 Bangladeshi women elected councilors in Australia

Two Bangladesh-origin women have been elected as councilors in Australia for the first time. They are – Sabrin Farooqui of the Labour Party and Sajeda Akter Sanjida of the Liberal Party. 

It was learned that four Bangladeshi women contested the Australian Council elections.

Elections were held in 124 city council areas in the state of New South Wales on December 4 after two dates were changed due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

Around 30 Bangladeshis have contested this year’s state council elections. Among them, Masud Chowdhury from Campbelltown City Council and Sumon Saha from Cumberland, candidates nominated by the opposition Labour Party, have been re-elected.

Shibli Chowdhury has been elected as an independent candidate from Dubbo Regional Council.

More than 5 million voters of Australia’s states cast their votes in the council elections. Voting is compulsory in Australia. There is a $55 penalty for absentee voters.

Covid-19 had a pre-election voting system for residents as part of the safety plan. As a result, they have been able to vote on any day since November 22 at their convenience.