For a Stronger Democracy, Bangladesh Must Empower Women in Politics

When women lead, democracies thrive. Yet, in Bangladesh's electoral landscape, the voices of women remain critically underrepresented. While women are active voters, their transition to leadership roles is alarmingly slow, a challenge that recently brought together the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) for a crucial strategic dialogue.

The dialogue, held on 16 March 2026 to honour International Women’s Day, set a collaborative tone from the outset. It opened with a symbolic performance titled “Women to Discover, Develop, and Lead,” jointly presented by UNDP and the BEC to champion women's voices in the democratic process. 

Following this, the discussion moved beyond gestures to address the deep-rooted barriers hindering female participation. UNDP provided an evidence-based overview of the challenges, while the Election Commission reaffirmed its commitment to gender-sensitive reforms.

The core of the issue is stark. Bangladesh’s Representation of the People Order (RPO) mandates a goal of 33% female representation in political party committees by 2030. However, the current reality stands at a mere 2.33%, a gap that officials agree requires immediate and concerted action.

Honourable Election Commissioner, Md. Anwarul Islam Sarker placed the responsibility squarely on political parties, stating, “Political parties must take more initiatives regarding nominations for women candidates. The Election Commission acts as a referee; without initiatives from both sides, progress is not possible.”

This call for a cultural shift within political structures was echoed by other leaders. The dialogue highlighted that the solution is not just about quotas; it's about creating an environment where women can safely and confidently step into public life. Honourable Election Commissioner, Tahmida Ahmad, emphasized that "good governance and proper implementation of law enforcement are essential to ensure safety, which will encourage women’s participation."

The benefits of this shift extend far beyond political equity. Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin provided a compelling economic perspective, noting that if women's unpaid household work were monetized, Bangladesh's GDP could triple. He also praised the integrity of women in electoral roles, noting that women presiding officers have demonstrated higher accountability, with no complaints filed against them.

On the other hand, Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Honourable Election Commissioner, stressed collective responsibility, stating, “The Election Commission cannot work alone to increase women’s representation. Our Constitution and national frameworks fully support equal participation. Ensuring this requires joint efforts and greater awareness.”

As UNDP's Resident Representative, Stefan Liller, noted, “When women lead, democracy becomes stronger, and communities and societies prosper. International Women’s Day reminds us that a strong democracy depends on women participating fully, not only as voters, but also as leaders and decision-makers.”

The dialogue concluded with a reinforced partnership between UNDP and the BEC, signaling a shared commitment to championing the institutional reforms and sustained advocacy needed. The message is clear; advancing women's political leadership is not just a matter of rights or justice, but a fundamental necessity for the prosperity and strength of Bangladesh’s democracy.