Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said  more than 1550 women seeking to enter the parliament in reserve seats reflect that women’s awakening has occurred in Bangladesh.

“When we see 1,553 women are hopefuls for only 48 reserved seats we can conclude that women’s awakening has occurred in Bangladesh,” she said.

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The premier made this remark while addressing a meeting with the women aspiring for Awami League’s nomination to run for the parliament reserve seats at Ganabhaban here this morning.

She said women are now successfully working and proving their competence in every sector.

“Wherever we send women, they all work successfully…. Our women are showing their competence,” said Hasina, also the president of Bangladesh Awami League.

Citing the success of women in sports and other sectors, she said, “There is no logic to create various barriers for women."

She said it is irrational that women can’t join sports, business and jobs as it was a woman( Khadijah) not a man who had first accepted Islam.

The premier said Bibi Khadijah had been a businesswoman and she had supported Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SM) with all her money and assets to preach and spread Islam.

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Noting that Islam has given enough rights to women, even transgender community, she said, “There is no scope to neglect women. We’re very conscious in this regard. Today, no woman lags behind in Bangladesh even up to the rural level.”

Hasina described how she empowered women in different sectors as well as created posts and consolidated positions for the women in the society during her government’s tenures.

“I’ve made positions for women in society in this way,” she said, adding that today awareness has emerged among the women.

Mentioning that women are mothers, the prime minister asked the women leaders to work for the society and Bangladesh with their motherly affection.

The AL chief said it is a tough job for them to pick up candidates for the reserve seats from this huge number of hopefuls.

She, however, asked the aspirants to work from their respective positions, not losing their hope to lead (the society), even if they won’t get nomination for the reserve seats.

“You will have to uphold your own position, and keep up the desire to lead. One thing should be remembered that none makes a position ready for another. You’ll have to create your own position,” said Sheikh Hasina.

The AL president asked the women aspirants to gain public trust and confidence by working for them.

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The prime minister expressed her optimism that a larger number of women would be elected to the parliament through a direct vote in future in Bangladesh.

There are 350 seats in parliament, including 50 reserved for women.