Events

“I have a separate identity of my own. Despite coming from a well respected political family, if I could face such online and offline backlash, I wonder what women who are not from as privileged a background as mine face on the daily.”

Farzana Sharmin, MP and Hon’ble State Minister, Ministry of Social Welfare, speaking at the inaugural

Inaugural Session

The event opened with remarks from Dr. Imran Matin (Executive Director, BIGD), Gitanjali Singh (Country Representative, UN Women), and Chief Guest Farzana Sharmin (MP, Hon’ble State Minister, Ministry of Social Welfare).

Dr. Matin foregrounded the importance of dialogue about women’s participation in politics in Bangladesh’s post-transition context, arguing that a conversation about women in politics cannot be separated from their broader participation in public life, political activism, and decision-making within their own parties. He stressed that, “This is more than just about our democracy; it is about addressing the fundamental injustices that have happened against women.”

Gitanjali Singh emphasized that women’s political participation is critical to a well-functioning democracy, framing inclusion as both a matter of justice and a driver of more effective governance. She noted that women in policymaking help advance legislation on health, education, childcare, infrastructure, and ending violence against women, and serve as an inspiration for girls. She warned that, “When women are excluded from public life and employment, democracy falters.”

Drawing on her own experience navigating Bangladesh’s political system, Farzana Sharmin described the political participation of women as a never-ending conversation. She recounted the escalating attacks she faced during her campaign, which began with objections to her candidacy on the basis of her husband’s constituency, and culminated in a sustained campaign of online and offline bullying that was ultimately penalized by the Election Commission. She urged participants to carry the event’s lessons beyond the conference room and into villages.

“Whenever there is a question concerning women, it is always the men in the room making the decisions. Even viable women candidates are deprioritized in favour of a male candidate with the logic these women can instead be nominated to reserved seat.”

Monira Sharmin, Central Convenor of Jatiyo Nari Shakti and Joint Convenor of the National Citizen Party, speaking candidly about the paradox faced by women within formal party structures

Session 1 | Women as Political Actors: Participation, Representation and Leadership in Political Processes

Moderated by Rasheda K. Chowdhury (Executive Director, CAMPE, and former Advisor, Caretaker Government), this session opened with a presentation by Dr. Marufa Akter (Associate Professor, IUB) on “Women as Political Actors: Participation, Representation and Leadership in Political Processes,” followed by a discussion featuring Rasheda Begum Hira (MP), Monira Sharmin (NCP), and Ruhin Hossain Prince (CPB).

Speaking to the recent debate on reserved seats, Rasheda Begum Hira argued that reserved seats still offer a meaningful way for representatives to interact with and build trust among constituents, pointing to positive shifts in how male constituents engage with female representatives once they recognize their capacity to help.

Monira Sharmin spoke candidly about the paradox women face within formal party structures, observing that when any question concerning women arise, it is consistently the men in the room who make the decisions.

The discussion brought together perspectives from women politicians and political parties on the persistent gap between women’s formal eligibility and their substantive inclusion in candidate selection and party decision-making, followed by a Q&A session.

 “If you want to serve the people, you have to develop a thick skin. While we want women to compete as equals, the laws of the land and our economic realities do not treat women equally. We have a different set of legal standards that define the contours of our lives. It is akin to shackling women by the feet and asking them to run a race as equals.”

Dr. Manisha Chakraborty, Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BASAD), speaking to the structural barriers preventing women from competing as equals

Session 2 | Women Contesting Elections

Moderated by Dr. Asif Shahan (Senior Research Fellow, BIGD, and Professor, Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka), this session opened with a presentation by Maheen Sultan (Senior Fellow of Practice, BIGD) on “Women Contesting Elections: Barriers and Strategies,” followed by a discussion with Barrister Rumeen Farhana (MP), Taslima Akhter (Ganosamhati Andolon), and Dr. Manisha Chakraborty (BASAD).

Reflecting on her own independent campaign, Rumeen Farhana emphasized the role independent institutions play in safeguarding free and fair elections. Despite obstacles to her candidacy, she credited the Election Commission and the Bangladesh Army with ensuring an overall fair process in her constituency.

Taslima Akhter addressed the challenges faced by women with familial political affiliations, recounting the questions raised about her candidacy within her party, outside it, and even within her family. She argued that women should be recognized as individuals with their own identities rather than defined by who their spouse is, noting that her long track record fighting for workers’ rights should have been sufficient on its own.

Dr. Manisha Chakraborty questioned whether equal participation is possible without equal rights, pointing to a separate set of legal standards that she argued constrains the contours of women’s lives even as they are expected to compete on equal terms.

A Q&A session followed the discussion, with both the moderator and members of the audience asking insightful questions about the discussants’ experiences campaigning during the 2025 national elections.

“I can say that women’s participation in elections have increased. Even when women were not in contention for seats, parties actively relied on women on the campaign trail and to connect with voters. But ensuring that they not just participate, but actively have a say in politics is key.”

Brigadier General Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah (Retd.), Election Commissioner, Bangladesh Election Commissio, offering a note of optimism during the closing session

Closing Session

The closing session featured remarks from Dr. Imran Matin (Executive Director, BIGD), Corinne Thévoz (Deputy Head of Cooperation, Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh), and Chief Guest Brigadier General Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah (Retd.) (Election Commissioner, Bangladesh Election Commission).

Reflecting on the trajectory of women’s electoral participation, Brigadier General Sanaullah closed the proceedings on a note of cautious optimism, drawing a distinction between women’s growing presence in the electoral process and their substantive influence over political decision-making. While Dr. Imran Matin emphasized that there is a small window of opportunity to correct historical injustices and we must act now, with urgency, to do what is right and what is necessary of us.