Representation is not optional: Voices of women and marginalised communities
The discussion was jointly organised by Democracy International and The Business Standard in Dhaka on 18 January, and moderated by TBS Associate Editor Saleem Ahmed
Bangladesh stands at a pivotal moment in its democratic transition, with growing public pressure for stronger political representation of women and marginalised communities. The issue took centre stage at a roundtable titled "Priorities of All People in Politics and Government," where political leaders, experts and marginalised voices called for urgent, structural inclusion.
Speakers highlighted a 2025 Democracy International opinion poll that revealed overwhelming public support for broader participation: 96% called for better representation of persons with disabilities, 85% for ethnic minorities, and 81% for religious minorities. They stressed that ensuring equal political participation is not optional, but essential for building a truly inclusive democracy in Bangladesh.
The discussion was jointly organised by Democracy International and The Business Standard in Dhaka on 18 January, and moderated by TBS Associate Editor Saleem Ahmed. The dialogue was facilitated under the B-SPACE project, implemented by Democracy International with support from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the UN Electoral Project Ballot and DRIP.
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Catherine Cecil
Chief of Party, Democracy International, Bangladesh
Through Democracy International's ongoing series of discussions, we aim to give political leaders a timely opportunity to hear about public expectations and reflects those concerns in realistic and inclusive plans.
Our November 2025 opinion poll showed that several groups have questions about whether they are being heard.
A majority of women expressed doubt that any political party addresses their needs, while more than half of young voters – both Gen Z and Millennials – remain unconvinced that parties take youth concerns seriously.
At the same time, the demand for inclusion was clear: overwhelming majorities want stronger representation of persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and religious minorities. With many voters still undecided, this is a critical moment. Therefore, these conversations must continue, because inclusive politics is a democratic necessity.
Ilira Dewan
Human Rights Activist
We celebrated the July uprising, standing against discrimination. Yet within months, communal violence erupted in Khagrachhari and Rangamati, students were attacked in Dhaka, and major parties remained silent. This raises a painful question: do we truly believe in a discrimination-free Bangladesh, or speak of it only when convenient?
Indigenous peoples still face exclusion, denial of identity and accusations of separatism simply for seeking constitutional recognition. We want inclusion, not separation. Representation that prioritises party loyalty over community rights cannot be called inclusive.
As elections approach, all parties must commit in their manifestos to the rights of ethnic, religious and marginalised communities. Bangladesh is multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural. We must act on this belief, not just speak it. Only then can we build a Bangladesh free from fear and inequality.
Taslima Akhter
Gender analyst, UNDP
Working on inclusion for marginalised groups has taught me that mere mainstreaming cannot meet their needs. Affirmative action is essential to give underrepresented communities real access and voice. Research with Dhaka University showed women's priorities in elections vary widely.
We also engaged youth voters, including 4.5 million first-timers, whose challenges differ from older voters. If parties design manifestos around diversity and intersectional issues, addressing the specific needs of women, youth and marginalised communities, elections can become truly inclusive and forward-looking.
Fahima Nasrin Munni
International Affairs Co-Secretary, BNP
Politics, to me, exists to bring leaders closer to people and to protect citizens' rights through democratic institutions. As a lawyer, I have seen how years of authoritarian rule weakened the rule of law. Restoring democracy
through a credible, participatory election is therefore our foremost priority. BNP does not divide citizens into majority or minority groups.
Many of today's challenges stem from weak implementation and the erosion of state institutions over the past decade. Rebuilding law and order and restoring public trust will take time, but both are essential.
Women and youth are central to our vision. We acknowledge past shortcomings and are committed to expanding women's participation, leadership and decision-making. For us, democracy, justice and inclusion are not slogans, but commitments we intend to uphold.
Nasima Akter
President, National Council of Women with Disabilities
Representing women with disabilities in Bangladesh, a group often excluded from politics, I note that despite the 2013 Disability Rights Act, genuine inclusion remains absent. Many of us cannot access polling stations, and our voices are rarely heard in leadership roles.
Political parties must create real pathways for disabled persons, especially women, to participate fully. Support must go beyond token representation, including accessible voting, caregiver assistance, and privacy protection.
Development programmes must meet our actual needs, not rely on charity. Only when our rights, voices and potential are recognised can disabled persons move beyond marginalisation and contribute meaningfully. Inclusion is not optional – it is justice.
Md Helal Uddin
Central Working Committee Member, Jamaat-e-Islami
I speak from experience of a long struggle against authoritarianism. It was the youth movement that turned isolated demands into a mass uprising against injustice and discrimination. Today's young generation questions power and no longer accepts unaccountable politics.
We see the state as a social contract to ensure citizens' security, welfare and service, not to benefit a few families or elites. Jamaat-e-Islami stands for a welfare state and politics rooted in service. Alongside political participation, we prioritise social welfare, ethical leadership and corruption-free governance, as shown in our past parliamentary roles.
We reject divisions of "majority and minority", holding that all citizens are equal. Women, who make up half the population, must be active in economic, political and administrative life. Our manifesto will set out concrete commitments on women's safety, training, childcare and entrepreneurship to enable broad participation in building a stronger Bangladesh.
Manindra Kumar Nath
General secretary (acting), Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad
Despite constitutional promises of equality and dignity, systemic discrimination persists. Communities live in overcrowded homes, lack secure land ownership, face education and employment barriers, and remain vulnerable to violence.
We have long called for legal safeguards, including a Discrimination Elimination Act, yet past governments have failed to act. Human rights require recognising all faiths equally, guaranteeing safety and enforcing laws impartially. Only through legal safeguards, government accountability and societal respect can Bangladesh become a country where everyone lives with dignity.
Pronoy Ghosh
M&E Officer, UNDP
Ahead of Bangladesh's 13th National Parliament elections, the UN, through DRIP and BALLOT, has supported the Election Commission to ensure a smooth, credible and inclusive process. This roundtable provides a vital platform for dialogue between civil society and political parties, allowing citizens' concerns to be heard and parties to share their plans – key to democratic progress.
I hope discussions like these set a strong precedent for transparency, inclusion and accountability, ensuring elections reflect all citizens' voices and uphold democratic values. I also thank our partners from Australia, Japan, the UK, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland, whose support strengthens electoral assistance.
Shipon Kumar Rabidas
Candidate in Bogura-5, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB)
I entered politics from a lived experience of discrimination and denied dignity. I grew up in a community where entering a temple once required legal intervention, and where mob violence has taken lives solely because of caste identity. These realities pushed me from rights activism into electoral politics.
Through the Democratic United Front, we seek to open political space for those long excluded, including Dalits, indigenous peoples, tea workers, third-gender communities and persons with disabilities. Our aim is not only to win seats, but to build confidence so marginalised communities can contest local and national elections without fear.
I chose to contest under my real name, openly carrying my community identity, despite advice to conceal it for votes. We believe Bangladesh belongs to all, and that everyone has the right to live, participate and die with dignity. Ending mob violence, upholding the rule of law and building inclusive leadership remain our core commitments.
Ferdous Ara Rumee
Women Rights Activist
I speak as a feminist and activist who stood on the streets during the July uprising against oppression, inequality and the silencing of voices. That uprising was driven by lives made unbearable yet promises to end discrimination have largely remained rhetorical.
Since July, dissenting voices, particularly women, have faced intimidation, online harassment and moral policing. Women activists, cultural workers and even female athletes were attacked in the name of religion and "decency", while the state largely stood aside.
Women account for 51% of voters, yet parties have nominated very few women candidates, ignoring even minimum legal obligations. Human dignity must be the foundation of politics, beginning within homes and political parties. Without genuine political will to invest in women's leadership and ensure representation, inclusion will remain an empty promise.
Aruna Rani Das
Representative, Dalit Nari Forum
As a Dalit woman, my right to vote and participate in politics is not just constitutional—it is a matter of dignity. Despite promises of equality, Dalit communities face discrimination daily: barriers to voting, unequal job access, and limited education, denying us both citizenship and respect.
Before a new government takes office, I demand equal employment opportunities, free quality education for our children, and an end to violence, harassment and exclusion of Dalit women. We urgently need a Dalit Rights Protection Law with strict penalties for caste-based discrimination and violence. We do not seek labels or political tokens – we demand equal citizenship. Decisions about us must include us.
