Citizens call for greater representation of women, marginalised groups in politics

A 2025 Democracy International poll shows strong public demand in Bangladesh for greater political inclusion, with 96% supporting participation of persons with disabilities, 85% calling for better ethnic minority representation, and 81% backing stronger involvement of religious minorities.

The findings were unveiled at a roundtable titled "Priorities of All People in Politics and Government", jointly organised by Democracy International and The Business Standard at its Dhaka office, moderated by TBS associate editor Saleem Ahmed.

Catherine Cecil, Democracy International's Bangladesh chief of party, said inclusion is no longer optional but "a democratic necessity." 

"When overwhelming majorities call for better representation of persons with disabilities, as well as ethnic and religious minorities, it shows that citizens across the country expect political parties to be far more inclusive," she said.

Addressing the session, BNP international affairs co-secretary Fahima Nasrin Munni said, "Politics is not meant for any particular group. Inclusive democracy means ensuring the voices of all citizens – regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, or social class – are reflected in politics and state governance." 

"When overwhelming majorities call for better representation of persons with disabilities, as well as ethnic and religious minorities, it shows that citizens across the country expect political parties to be far more inclusive."  Catherine Cecil, chief of party, Democracy International, Bangladesh

She emphasised women's underrepresentation despite comprising 51% of voters, calling for proactive recruitment, training, and nomination of women.

Md Helal Uddin of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami stressed that the party believes in equal citizenship rather than "minorities," asserting that all citizens should have dignity and meaningful participation. 

Explaining why his party had not met the 5% women candidate target in the upcoming election, he cited a lack of preparation over the past 15 years, but promised improved representation, women's safety programmes, and infrastructure if elected.

Ferdous Ara Rumee of the Network for People's Action warned that replacing political faces alone will not dismantle discriminatory structures, while Shipon Kumar Rabidas of the Communist Party of Bangladesh called for genuine inclusion of Dalits, indigenous peoples, third-gender persons, tea workers, and persons with disabilities in nominations and decision-making.

Human rights activist Ilira Dewan stressed that marginalised communities must participate directly in decisions affecting them, and that true democracy requires safety, trust, and equal rights for all citizens. Manindra Kumar Nath of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council added that legal safeguards for religious and ethnic minorities are essential to prevent violence, displacement, and exclusion.

Highlighting the youth vote, UNDP gender analyst Taslima Akter noted that with 4.5 million first-time voters this year, political manifestos must address diversity and intersectional issues to remain relevant.

The dialogue was facilitated under the B-SPACE project, implemented by Democracy International with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the UN Electoral Project Ballot & DRIP.