A discussion at the National Press Club raised concern over the declining number of women candidates in the upcoming 13th National Election. The event, titled “Women’s Vote and the Role of Working Women in the Future State,” was organized by Awaz Foundation and the Foundation for Law and Development (FLAD). Speakers said women’s limited presence in the candidate list reflects persistent barriers to their participation in formal politics.
Fauzia Karim Firoz, senior Supreme Court lawyer and FLAD president, said that while women have participated in historic political struggles, their absence from electoral representation hinders national progress. Nazma Akter, Executive Director of Awaz Foundation, stated that compared to previous elections, the number of female candidates has dropped significantly, raising questions about the implementation of commitments to women’s empowerment.
Taslima Akter of Bangladesh Garment Workers Solidarity noted that political parties have not fulfilled promises to ensure 5 percent female participation. She emphasized that women must be recognized as independent political actors rather than limited to familial roles. Speakers from various political organizations highlighted issues such as equal pay, prevention of child marriage, inheritance rights, support for women entrepreneurs, and the need for institutional mechanisms to ensure women’s safety.
Barrister Shukla Sarwat Siraj said only 32 women are contesting among 1,732 candidates, calling the figure disappointing. She observed that women without family or inherited political connections face structural obstacles. Participants agreed that expanding women’s representation requires institutional reform and sustained political engagement beyond electoral commitments.
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