In the political landscape of Bangladesh, women aspiring to enter politics often find themselves reliant on family dynasties or influential mentors, a persistent “borobhai” culture that shapes their path to leadership.
Despite growing interest and participation, systemic barriers limit their independent rise in politics.
These concerns were the focus of the roundtable discussion, “The Power of Women: From the Uprising to Greater Political Participation,” held on Sunday at a hotel in Dhaka.
The event was organized by Dhaka Tribune and supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Dhaka.
The roundtable discussion highlighted the urgent need for systemic reforms, social support structures, and stronger political will to ensure women’s meaningful participation in politics.
While progress has been made, persistent issues like violence, discrimination, and societal norms remain significant barriers.
Participants emphasized collective action, mentorship, and advocacy as vital tools for change.
Nazifa Jannat, Student Coordinator of Students Against Discrimination at East West University, highlighted the male-dominated perspective in Bangladesh’s political history.
She remarked: “For 53 years, we have seen the political narrative through the eyes of men.”
BNP International Affairs Assistant Secretary Rumeen Farhana stressed the need for boldness, confidence, and courage in politics.
“Politics is not a 9-5 job. Maybe you get a 12am call and you have to be there. Most families do not want their girls to be there,” she added.
Dr Rounaq Jahan, political scientist and Distinguished Fellow of the Center for Policy Development (CPD), noted that movement politics attracts women because it is based on issues and requires temporary engagement.
She emphasized the unique nature of the July Revolution, where women were actively pushing for change rather than retreating.
“This immediate pushback demands, right? This is different, and that makes me hopeful,” she said.
Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh, Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, highlighted the importance of female political participation, drawing from his country’s experience of achieving almost equal representation of women and men in parliament and cabinet.
He remarked: “It does not come automatically. You have to work on it every day.”
Prof Lailafur Yasmine of the Department of International Relations at the University of Dhaka called for identifying the biggest gatekeepers of patriarchy.
Daily Star Senior Reporter Zyma Islam pointed out the challenges women face in their professional roles, saying: “The worst part is it is a part of your job. If you do not have a skin for it, do not take the job.”
BNP Organizing Secretary Shama Obaed emphasized the need for inclusivity in politics.
She acknowledged the challenges women face in the political arena and remarked: “Politics is never easy. To survive, you must fight for your rights, sometimes even against your own people.”
Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolan, Zonayed Saki, highlighted the need for broader social change to address women’s participation in politics.
“The question of women’s participation in politics cannot be addressed without broader social change — it requires a comprehensive and large-scale shift in society,” he said.
Dhaka Tribune Senior Reporter Nawaz Farhin Antara emphasized the impact of gender-based violence on women’s progress.
“Women are affected in every crisis. Gender-based violence is on the rise, and without addressing it, meaningful progress is not possible,” she said.
The discussion was moderated by Dhaka Tribune’s Business Editor Esha Aurora, who remarked that misogyny is now so internalized that the word “feminist” has become dirty to some people.
Marianne Rabe Knævelsrud, Deputy Head of Mission of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka, delivered her closing remarks, saying: “I think everybody took away something from the roundtable. Let’s see this as a call to action.”
The event saw the presence of notable figures such as British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, Deputy Director of Public Engagement of the US Embassy in Bangladesh Brennan Flanigan, Joint General Secretary of ABP Nasreen Sultana Mily, and Gitanjali Singh of UN Women.
Also in attendance were Prof Navine Murshid from North South University’s Political Science Department, Prof Amena Mohsin from the University of Dhaka’s Department of International Relations, CPD Executive Director Fahmida Khatun, and Praava Health CEO Sylvana Q Sinha.
Journalists Jebun Nesa Alo from The Business Standard and Ayesha Kabir from Prothom Alo English Web, along with student intern Kashish Kaur Sekhon from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka were also present.
Additionally, ED-CPI’s Youth Leader Activist Rakib Al Hasan, Jahangirnagar University student Prapti Taposh, and influencer Alisha Prodhan attended the event.
