A new study has found that Bangladesh’s legal requirement to ensure 33% women’s representation at all levels of political party committees by 2030 has yet to be effectively implemented.
While political parties formally acknowledge the provision, women’s participation in policymaking and decision-making remains limited in practice, the study said.
The findings were presented at a divisional dialogue titled “Political Parties’ Position on the Representation of the People Order (RPO)” held at Hotel Lake Castle in Dhaka on Monday. The event was jointly organized by Wave Foundation and ActionAid Bangladesh.
Researcher and Consultant Sanaiya Fahim Ansari conducted the study under the “Gender Responsive and Inclusive Participation (GRIP)” project, implemented under UN electoral assistance initiatives BALLOT and DRIP. Consultant Mansura Akhtar presented the summary.
Based on responses from 191 stakeholders across 11 districts in six divisions, the study found that 87.3% of respondents were aware of the 33% quota provision, while 72% said political parties were not implementing it effectively. Only 1.4% believed the Election Commission has sufficient capacity to enforce the provision.
Respondents also raised concerns about the Election Commission’s role in enforcing the Representation of the People Order (RPO).
The study identified patriarchal party culture as the main barrier, cited by 60.6% of respondents. Other obstacles include lack of political will, family and social pressure, weak internal party democracy, and limited monitoring by the Election Commission.
For young women, insecurity and fear of online harassment were highlighted as major challenges, alongside male-dominated party structures, negative social attitudes, lack of opportunities, and financial constraints.
The study recommended regular Election Commission audits on party compliance with gender provisions, mandatory annual reporting on women’s representation and nominations, and ensuring women’s participation in decision-making and nomination committees.
It also proposed state incentives for parties fielding more women candidates in direct elections, reduced nomination fees for women, and strengthened training and mentorship programmes to build leadership capacity.
Speaking at the event, UN Women Bangladesh Gender Responsive Governance Programme Manager Tapati Saha said participation from different regions enriched the discussion and called for continued efforts toward inclusive governance.
Chief Guest Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said the Commission’s role goes beyond conducting elections and includes ensuring representation. He urged rights organisations not to lose hope.
ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Farah Kabir said the goal was not only to identify gaps but also to develop a sustainable action plan for future progress.
At the outset, Mariam Nesa, Lead – Women Rights and Gender Equity, delivered the opening remarks. Gender expert Shiuly Akter introduced the GRIP project. Wave Foundation Deputy Director Kaniz Fatema summarised the discussion, noting persistent gaps in implementing the RPO.
Representatives from BNP, National Citizen Party (NCP) and AB Party, along with officials from the Election Commission, UN agencies, civil society, media, legal experts, researchers and youth representatives, took part in the dialogue.