Empowering Women and Youth in Political Engagement

DHAKA, Oct 18, 2025 (BSS) – A recent colloquium held at the Khulna Press Club emphasized the critical need for increased engagement and leadership of women and youth in the political landscape of Bangladesh following recent uprisings.

Event Overview

The event, titled “Breaking Barriers: Women & Youth in Leadership?”, was organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) and saw participation from a diverse group, including representatives from various political parties, young politicians, women leaders, and civil society members. The primary objective of the gathering was to foster discussions about the barriers faced by women in politics and to empower youth activists to confront gender norms in leadership roles.

Key Discussions

Moderated by CGS President Zillur Rahman, the colloquium initiated lively discussions on the exclusion of women and youth from key decision-making processes. Panelists were challenged to consider whether societal norms, familial expectations, or party culture posed the greatest obstacles to political advancement. The conversation included a focus on potential reforms, such as implementing mandatory candidate quotas and evaluating the effectiveness of reserved seats for women.

Panelist Insights

Key speakers addressed these issues directly:

• Azizul Baree Helal from BNP stressed that barriers should not deter individuals from pursuing leadership. He asserted that leadership transcends gender and emphasized the necessity of patriotism and courage combined with skills and education.
• Advocate Jahangir Hossain Helal referred to the youth as a “national treasure” and argued that strong willpower can overcome societal barriers. He highlighted the courage of young activists during the July uprisings as a testament to this assertion.
• Advocate Md. Babul Hawlader identified patriarchy as a major barrier to women’s leadership, often perpetuated by both genders. He advocated for meaningful inclusion over token participation and challenged political parties to achieve a minimum of 33% female representation in decision-making roles.
• Dr. Abdullah Chowdhury emphasized the shifts in youth patriotism post-uprising, cautioning against a return to toxic political rhetoric that could stifle female and youth participation.
• Mufti Amanullah noted the necessity of women’s involvement in all areas, including decision-making and the economy, while also raising concerns about technology’s impact on youth political engagement.