The Jatiya Sangsad (Reserved Women's Seat) Election (Amendment) Bill 2023 was placed in Parliament doubling the security deposit required for candidates to run in elections for reserved women's seats.
Law Minister Anisul Huq placed the Bill and it was sent to the respective scrutiny committee for further examination. The Committee was asked to submit its report within seven days.
According to the proposed Bill, candidates contesting the reserved seats will be required to submit a security deposit of Tk20,000 instead of the previous amount of Tk10,000.
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The draft law also proposes to increase the number of reserved seats for women from 45 to 50.
The 15th amendment to the Constitution had already increased the number of reserved seats to 50. Now it has been included in law.
The general parliament members provide a security deposit of Tk20,000 to participate in the election.
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Besides, the amendments incorporate a provision stipulating that if a reserved seat in the Jatiya Sangsad becomes vacant for any reason, a by-election must be conducted within 90 days.
Currently, by-elections in reserved women's seats are held within 45 days of the seat being vacated.
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