Women’s participation in politics is not just a matter of numbers but a fundamental democratic right, speakers said at a programme in the capital on Thursday, warning that women’s representation in the 13th National Parliamentary Election has fallen to its lowest level in 25 years.
According to the speakers, only 3.93% of candidates in the recent parliamentary election were women, highlighting persistent structural barriers, rising gender-based violence, and widespread online harassment that continue to discourage women from entering politics.
The concerns were raised during a special dialogue and award ceremony organised by ActionAid Bangladesh and Prothom Alo ahead of International Women’s Day 2026. The event honoured women who contested the 13th parliamentary election and was aligned with this year’s global theme, “Give to Gain.”
Speakers stressed that ensuring women’s empowerment requires more than creating opportunities. It also demands security, social dignity, and a stronger state commitment to establishing a level political playing field. They urged policymakers and political parties to take concrete steps to strengthen women’s leadership.
Under the Representation of the People Order, political parties are required to ensure 33% women’s representation at all organisational levels. Speakers emphasized that this should be seen not only as a legal obligation but also as a democratic responsibility.
A highlight of the programme was an interactive forum theatre performance titled ‘Chena Porobash’ by theatre group Palakar. The performance addressed issues such as child marriage, workplace harassment, and the challenges faced by women candidates during elections. Each scene was followed by discussions involving women’s rights activists, experts, candidates, and policymakers.
Rasheda K. Chowdhury, executive director of Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE), questioned the contradiction between women’s role as voters and their acceptance as leaders.
“If women are important as voters, why are they questioned as leaders? We have yet to ensure women receive the dignity they deserve in leadership,” she said.
Matiur Rahman, editor of daily Prothom Alo, said civil society and the media could have provided stronger support to independent women candidates in the recent election. Expressing optimism for the future, he added that women’s participation could increase in upcoming elections if collective efforts are strengthened.
Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, described women candidates as “among the bravest citizens of this country,” highlighting that despite challenging circumstances, they are opening new pathways in politics.
“We do not seek only an increase in numbers; we seek meaningful change. Ensuring women’s safety and dignity remains the greatest challenge,” she said.
BNP MP Barrister Rumeen Farhana emphasized that societal expectations often pressure women to maintain stereotypical roles, limiting their political engagement.
“We are ready to see strong women as daughters or sisters, but not as partners in change. This mindset must change,” she said.
Independent candidate Tasnim Jara, contesting from Dhaka-9, pointed to structural barriers that restrict women’s participation in decision-making. She noted that many political parties treat women as symbolic figures, while male-dominated structures continue to dominate the nomination process.
Jara also highlighted that women elected to reserved seats, rather than through direct elections, often face limitations in exercising independent decision-making and remain more accountable to party leadership than to voters.
Online harassment, she added, discourages many young women from entering politics, underscoring the need for an independent judiciary and an effective Election Commission to ensure a level playing field.
Several political leaders and civil society representatives have called for urgent action to protect women’s rights, highlighting the continued marginalization and exploitation of women across Bangladesh.
MP Nayab Yusuf Ahmed Islam noted that many marginalized women remain unaware that their rights are being violated. “Their vulnerabilities are exploited to confine them within the home. We must stand up to address women’s problems,” she said.
Monica Alam, a Jatiya Party candidate from Jhenaidah, stressed that political actors have a social responsibility to prevent violence against women. She emphasized the importance of working with the administration to stop child marriage and sexual harassment.
Seema Dutta, a leader of the Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist), highlighted systemic gender discrimination, noting that women are often treated as third-class citizens across sectors—from agriculture to the garment industry. She called for equal pay and stronger government action against discrimination.
Presenting alarming data on gender-based violence, Morium Nessa, lead for women’s rights and gender equity at ActionAid Bangladesh, reported a 52.3% increase in reported rape cases in 2025 compared to 2024. In January 2026 alone, at least 272 women and girls experienced violence, including 70 rape cases. She also revealed that 39% of universities in Bangladesh still lack sexual harassment prevention committees, calling it a serious institutional failure.
The panelists also drew attention to political representation, noting that only seven women were elected to the most recent parliament, the same number as in the 2001 general election. The share of women candidates fell to 3.93%, the lowest in 25 years.
Participants from civil society and political parties recommended stricter enforcement of laws against gender-based violence, stronger cyber safety measures, and genuine inclusion of women in political party structures.
Among those present were Tahera Jabeen, social development adviser at the British High Commission; Sharmin Islam, gender team leader at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh; Korvi Rakshand, founder of JAAGO Foundation; and Sadaf of the National Political Rights Forum.
Women candidates attending the programme included Meghla Alam of Ganodhikar Parishad, Taslima Akter of Ganosamhati Andolon, independent candidate Anwara Islam Rani, Barrister Nasrin Sultana Mili of AB Party, and Arifa Akter Baby of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal.
Among those attending were Tahera Jabeen, social development adviser at the British High Commission; Sharmin Islam, gender team leader at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh; Korvi Rakshand, founder of JAAGO Foundation; and Sadaf of the National Political Rights Forum.
Women candidates at the programme included Meghna Alam of Ganodhikar Parishad, Taslima Akter of Ganosamhati Andolon, independent candidate Anwara Islam Rani, Barrister Nasreen Sultana Mily of AB Party, and Arifa Akter Baby of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal.
