Speakers at a press conference on Monday said women’s participation in the upcoming election is extremely disappointing, despite some independent female candidates joining the race at the last moment.
Forum leaders made the remarks at a press conference titled “Nomination Crisis of Women Candidates: Gap between Parties’ Commitments and Implementation and the Accountability of the Election Commission”, held at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity.
Representatives from Gonoshasthaya Abhijan, Durbaar Network Foundation, Nagorik Coalition, Nari Udyog Kendra (NUK), Narigrantha Probortona, Nari Sanghati, Nari Pokkho, Narir Dake Rajniti, Feminist Alliance of Bangladesh (FAB), Bangladesh Nari Mukti Kendra, and Voice for Reform were present at the event.
They alleged that although the Election Commission frequently talks about a “gender-inclusive election,” there is little reflection of that commitment in reality.
The forum leaders reiterated their opposition to reserved seats for women, saying they do not want women to enter parliament through special quotas. Instead, they want women to contest elections directly and secure representation based on merit.
They noted that after 54 years, the country is witnessing an election with the lowest participation of women candidates, calling it a matter of shame not only for women but for the entire political system.
“If political parties fail to uphold their own manifestos and commitments, why should women trust them in the future?” the speakers questioned.
Forum leader Samina Yasmin said women voters make up nearly 50 percent, or possibly more, of the electorate. “I do not have the exact figure at this moment, but if women constitute 51 percent of voters, then our next and most important task should be to raise awareness about women’s rights, organise them and make them politically active,” she said.
“Is it really possible to come to power by excluding 51 percent of the population and relying on the remaining 49 percent? This is a fundamental question,” she added.
Samina said the forum is trying to work directly and indirectly with women leaders who are contesting the election and actively campaigning. “We are observing what kinds of challenges they are facing, how they are addressing them and what effective pathways could be developed to tackle these challenges in the future,” she said.
She further said that despite widespread discussions on women’s rights, the number of female candidates in this election remains alarmingly low, forcing a serious reassessment of the situation.
“We will sit with the Election Commission and discuss what needs to be done in this context,” she said, adding that the forum will also examine whether any legal or institutional measures can be taken if political parties fail to achieve the stipulated target of 33 percent women’s representation.
“Although there may be no scope for immediate punitive measures this time, the issue cannot be ignored,” Samina added.