BMirror Desk : The Women’s Affairs Reform Commission has put forward a substantial plan to restructure the national parliament, advocating for an increase in the total number of seats from 300 to 600 to achieve gender equality in political representation.
During a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy on Sunday, Commission Chairperson Shireen Parveen Haque revealed that the commission has proposed that each parliamentary constituency elect one general seat and one reserved seat for women, both through direct voting.
This briefing followed the official submission of the commission’s final report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna earlier that day.
Haque clarified that the commission’s recommendations were divided into three categories: those that the current interim government can implement, those that will require action from the next elected government, and proposals for long-term reforms.
“We have suggested the creation of an independent and permanent Women’s Affairs Commission to oversee violations of women’s rights and ensure their protection,” she stated.
Additional key proposals include eliminating gender-based discrimination from family and other laws, as well as recognizing food, clothing, housing, education, healthcare, and employment as essential constitutional rights.
The commission also suggested adopting a “zipper method” for candidate nominations in general elections, which would require political parties to ensure gender balance in their candidate lists by alternating between male and female nominees.
Attendees at the press briefing included Maheen Sultan from the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development, Advocate Kamrun Nahar, Kalpona Akter of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation, Dr. Halida Hanum Akhter, Sumaiya Islam from the Bangladesh Nari Sramik Kendra, Nirupa Dewan, Ferdousi Sultana, and student representative Nishita Zaman Niha.
The 10-member commission, established by the interim government in November 2024, was assigned the task of delivering its report within a 90-day timeframe. This report reflects extensive consultations with various stakeholders and is intended to provide a framework for fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
