Staff Correspondent:

Women’s rights activists on Saturday demanded direct elections to the reserved seats for women in the Jatiya Sangsad, urging political parties to ensure meaningful representation and end the system of nomination that often sidelines women’s leadership.

The call came from a rally and public gathering held at the Central Shaheed Minar, organised by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.

President of the organization Dr Fauzia Moslem presided over the event, which ended following procession towards Paltan Mor.

Dr Fauzia said the struggle for women’s political empowerment has been ongoing since 1972. “We are in search of our own identity. The time is now to ensure women’s participation in decision-making. The women’s movement is a societal movement, and society stands with us,” she said.

Dr Fauzia stressed that the demand for direct elections to women’s reserved seats will eventually gain public support.

“Democracy cannot move forward by leaving anyone behind,” she said, advocating for one-third representation of women in Parliament through direct elections.

Dr Fauzia urged political parties to respect the demands of the women’s movement, stating, “Intimidation tactics will not suppress women who fought in the Liberation War. They will remain determined to claim their rightful place.”

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad General Secretary Maleka Banu echoed the demand for direct electoral participation, saying, “Despite many women entering politics, they are often nominated and remain subordinate to party lines. We strongly demand direct electoral opportunities for women to enter Parliament.”

Rabeya Khatun Shanti, Secretary of the platform, stressed the importance of increasing women’s representation through direct elections. “The capabilities of today’s women in decision-making are fruits of the women’s movement. In today’s humanitarian crisis, it is crucial to focus on increasing women’s representation in Parliament,” she said.

Rina Ahmed, head of the Training and Research Sub-Council, raised concerns about rising violence against women and criticised the inaction of many women MPs.

She urged the Women’s Commission to press the government for direct elections to reserved seats.

Its Dhaka Metropolitan Secretary Rehana Yunus remarked that political participation of women has seen little advancement over the past 55 years. “It is not enough to have women elected— they must be given the opportunity to work. Women must come forward themselves to establish leadership through direct election.”

Anwara Begum, Central Committee Member, called for grassroots mobilisation to raise awareness on the issue. “Political agendas for women’s welfare cannot be implemented without political empowerment of women,” she said.

Shahida Parvin Shikha, General Secretary of Nari Shramik Kendra and a national council member of Mahila Parishad, emphasised that the fight is not against men, but for democracy.

“Democracy is incomplete without women’s political empowerment. We demand direct election, not nomination, for reserved seats,” she said.

The gathering saw participation from representatives of Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE), Karmojibi Nari, Nari Shramik Kendra, and Mahila Parishad leaders and organisers from Dhaka, Tongi, Belabo, and Narayanganj.