Raise reserved JS seats to 33pc for women
Urge women leaders
Women leaders at a discussion yesterday urged the government to pass an amendment bill over increasing the number of women's reserved parliamentary seats to 33 percent, from the current 16.66, to facilitate women's direct contestation in the national polls.
The discussion, “Women's political empowerment and the role of women lawmakers”, was organised by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad in the city's Cirdap auditorium.
Since female voters are greater in number than male voters, “they (women) should be represented with a higher number of seats in parliament,” said lawmaker Tarana Halim.
If women leaders were united, the bill would have already been passed in parliament, she added.
Pointing at the helplessness of women lawmakers in carrying out their responsibilities in their constituencies, lawmaker Nilufar Chowdhury Moni said, “Even union level leaders did not let us do our job properly. We often have to follow their commands.”
Speaking as special guest, Centre for Policy Dialogue Chairman Rehman Sobhan said, “Women's contribution in readymade garment sector and micro-finance is vital”, sectors which acquired prosperity and led to Bangladesh's international recognition.
“Since the present government in its election manifesto pledged to increase the number of reserved seats for women, I expect them to keep the promise,” he added.
Women empowerment can be achieved through the trial of war criminals, who prevent women's development through religion-based politics, said Deputy Leader of Jatiya Sangsad Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury.
Parishad President Ayesha Khanam chaired the programme while its Secretary (movement) Rekha Chowdhury read out the keynote paper.
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