The Current Landscape of Women’s Political Representation

In Bangladesh, while women have made progress in education and local governance, their presence in national politics is markedly limited. Currently, 50 parliamentary seats are reserved for women, yet a 2024 report by Democracy Watch indicates that women have claimed only 8% of general seats through direct elections. This statistic illustrates the challenges women face in securing political power in competitive electoral processes.

Symbolic Leadership Versus Real Influence

While Bangladesh has seen female leaders like former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Opposition Leader Khaleda Zia, experts argue that these figures often symbolize a façade of progress, concealing the systemic exclusion of women from genuine political authority.

Critics have pointed out that major political parties, including the Awami League, BNP, and the Jatiya Party, often marginalize women in candidate nominations and leadership roles, limiting campaign funding for female candidates.

Challenges at the Grassroots Level

Women participating in local governance frequently face challenges from male relatives and party operatives who influence their decisions. Female members of the union parishad often lack the autonomy to make independent choices.

Bangladesh NariProgati Sangha (BNPS) asserted, “Democracy without women is not democracy at all,” emphasizing the need for political parties to set minimum representation targets for women’s leadership roles.

Calls for Reform Ahead of Upcoming Elections

As Bangladesh approaches its next general election, women’s rights activists are advocating for structural reforms to amplify women’s voices in policymaking. During a rally organized by the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Dr. Fauzia Moslem remarked, “The struggle for women’s political empowerment has continued since 1972. Now is the time to ensure our participation in decision-making.”

Structural Exclusions Within Political Parties

Despite women’s growing visibility in various sectors, their roles within the political party hierarchies remain minimal. A 2024 review by the Election Working Group found that women occupy less than 10% of decision-making roles in significant political parties. Many women are confined to auxiliary organizations, hindering their advancement to central leadership positions.

The Representation of the People Order (RPO) mandates that political parties ensure at least 33% representation of women at all committee levels by 2020, a target mostly unmet as of 2025. The Election Commission is exploring stricter enforcement measures to compel compliance.

Islamic Political Parties and Women’s Exclusion

Islamic parties in Bangladesh, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, show little commitment to enhancing women’s political roles. Many maintain structures that either segregate or entirely exclude women from leadership opportunities.

Dr. Ali Riaz, Vice Chair of the National Consensus Commission, noted that parties like Jamaat-e-Islami have limited women’s participation, with their women’s wing, Bangladesh Mohila Jamaat, primarily symbolic. Rights activist Taslima Akhter highlighted the irony in these parties advocating for justice while denying women fundamental political rights.

Remembering Women’s Historic Contributions

Women have a storied legacy in Bangladesh’s political history, from their participation in the Liberation War to recent political movements. Figures such as Taramon Bibi and Shaheed Dr. Shirin Banu Mitil exemplify this legacy of courage and activism.

Samanta Sharmin, from the National Citizen Party, emphasized the need to preserve women’s contributions during periods of political upheaval, stating, “Women’s participation was not symbolic — it was real, spontaneous, and courageous.”

Institutionalizing Equality: A Path Forward

During a dialogue on political reform, Prof. Ali Riaz advocated for embedding women’s rights and dignity constitutionally as part of the reconstruction of Bangladesh. Recognizing women’s pivotal roles during significant events like the July 2024 uprising is essential for shaping future policies.

Activists assert that moving forward, the political narrative of Bangladesh must not only include women but be co-created with their active participation, ensuring their voices are integral to the decision-making process.