Women rights forum meets CEC, demands mandatory nomination, leadership roles for women in politics
It also called for direct elections to reserved parliamentary seats and the introduction of ‘no’ votes in all constituencies
The Women's Political Rights Forum has submitted six-point demands to the Election Commission (EC), calling for electoral reforms ahead of the 13th national elections.
The delegation met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at the Election Commission Building in Agargaon this afternoon (23 September).
The forum demanded mandatory nomination of women candidates, leadership roles for women within party structures, allocation of campaign funds equal to the expenditure limit, policies to prevent harassment both online and offline, direct elections to reserved parliamentary seats, and the introduction of 'no' votes in all constituencies. A written proposal outlining these demands was formally submitted to the EC during the meeting.
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The meeting was led by Maheen Sultan, member of the Women's Affairs Reform Commission, and attended by Sadaf Saz, executive council member of Naripokkho; Seema Dutta, president of Bangladesh Nari Mukti Kendra; and Shyamoli Shil, president of Nari Samhati. Four election commissioners — Abdur Rahmanel Machud, Tahmida Ahmed, Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar, and Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah — along with EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, were also present.
After the meeting, Maheen Sultan described the discussion as "very fruitful," emphasising the forum's goal of ensuring equal status for women voters, candidates, and citizens.
She added that the Election Commission had assured that several steps would be taken in response.
The commission highlighted that the Representation of the People Order (RPO) aims to ensure 33% women's representation by 2030.
The electoral code of conduct has also introduced punitive measures against violence or harassment of women candidates and voters, as well as special provisions to prevent cyber harassment.
Organisations affiliated with the Women's Political Rights Forum believe that if their six-point proposal is implemented, it will open new avenues for women's political participation and help establish equality in the political sphere.
