Forum demands direct polls for 100 reserved seats, 33% women candidates in parties

The newly formed Forum for Women’s Political Rights has urged the government to introduce direct elections for 100 reserved seats in parliament and mandate that all political parties nominate at least 33% women candidates to boost female representation.

Speaking at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Sunday, forum leaders criticized the current arrangement of 50 reserved seats for women, saying it fails to grant women meaningful political power. They pointed out that women MPs occupying these seats remain largely accountable to their parties rather than the electorate, limiting their influence.

The forum proposed direct elections for 100 reserved women’s seats in the 2026 general election, mandatory nomination of at least 33% women candidates by political parties — gradually increasing to 50%, state funding and a safe electoral environment to ensure fair competition, and reserved seats for ethnic minorities, Dalits, disabled, and marginalized women.

Despite women constituting over half of Bangladesh’s population, their representation in parliament hovers around a mere 7%, the forum highlighted.

“Political empowerment of women is not only a right but essential for the integrity and sustainability of democracy,” forum leaders said.

They emphasized that since women are already elected directly at the local government level, similar direct polls could be implemented at the national level without redrawing constituencies.

The press conference also marked the formal launch of the Forum for Women’s Political Rights. Prominent activists such as Samina Luthfa, Nazifa Jannat, Syeda Nilima Dola, Maheen Sultan, and Taslima Akhter were present.