Women’s participation in parliamentary elections at 25-year low; speakers call for safer political space

In the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the share of women candidates fell to only 3.93 per cent - the lowest in 25 years - sending a serious warning about the state of democratic progress in the country, speakers said at a dialogue on Thursday. 

Structural barriers in the electoral system, rising gender-based violence and online harassment are restricting women’s political leadership, they said. 

Speakers voiced these concerns at a special dialogue and awards ceremony held in the capital on Thursday to mark International Women’s Day 2026, according to a media release. 

They stressed that ensuring women’s empowerment requires more than opportunity; it also demands security, social dignity and greater state investment to create a genuinely level playing field in politics. Policymakers and political parties were urged to take action.

The event was jointly organised by ActionAid Bangladesh and Prothom Alo, where women who contested the 13th National Parliamentary Election were honoured. The programme was aligned with the global theme “Give to Gain”.

Executive Director, Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) Rasheda K Chowdhury said, “If women are important as voters, why are they questioned as leaders?”

Matiur Rahman, Editor of Prothom Alo, said there was room for stronger support from civil society and the media for independent women candidates in the recent election.

Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, described women candidates as “among the bravest citizens of this country”.

Member of Parliament Rumin Farhana said where women face existential challenges, maintaining a stereotypical ‘good girl’ image cannot bring change.

Independent candidate Tasnim Jara (Dhaka-9) highlighted structural barriers to women’s presence in decision-making. She added that online harassment discourages many young women from entering politics.

MP Nayab Yusuf Ahmed said many marginalised women are not even aware that their basic rights are being denied.

Among those present were the British High Commission’s Social Development Adviser Tahera Jabeen, Sharmin Islam, Gender Team Leader at United Nations Development Programme Bangladesh, Korvi Rakshand, founder of JAAGO Foundation, and Sadaf of the National Political Rights Forum. Women candidates present included Meghla Alam of Ganodhikar Parishad, Taslima Akter of Ganosamhati Andolon, independent candidate Anwara Islam Rani, Barrister Nasrin Sultana Mili of AB Party, and Arifa Akter Baby of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal.