Women’s meaningful participation in political leadership and decision-making remains limited despite their significant presence as voters in Bangladesh. Without structural reforms within political parties and gender-responsive implementation of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), inclusive and democratic political governance cannot be achieved. These issues were highlighted by speakers at a multi-stakeholder dialogue on the Representation of the People Order (RPO) organized by WAVE Foundation in partnership with ActionAid Bangladesh on January 15, 2026 at Six Seasons Hotel in Dhaka.
The dialogue was organized under the project titled “Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Democratic Reforms through Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Participation (GRIP) in Decision-Making, implemented as part of the Democratic Reforms through Inclusive Participation (DRIP) in Bangladesh initiative” with support from the UN Electoral Assistance Programme. The event brought together senior leaders from various political parties including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Communist Party of Bangladesh, Ganosamhati Andolon, Gono Odhikar Parishad, AB Party, Gonoforum and the State Reform Movement along with representatives from the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC), media and civil society organizations.
During the discussion, speakers emphasized the urgent need for structural reforms within political parties and the effective inclusion of women’s leadership to ensure the gender-sensitive implementation of the RPO. They noted that addressing Bangladesh’s longstanding political and social challenges requires meaningful representation, participation and leadership of women at all levels of decision-making. Participants highlighted that although women constitute nearly half of the country’s voters, their representation in political leadership and candidate nominations remains limited. The dialogue concluded that meaningful inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making processes is essential to achieving sustainable, inclusive democratic reforms.
Selima Rahman, BNP Standing Committee Member, emphasized the need for greater solidarity among women across political Parties. She stated, “Women from all political parties must remain united on issues affecting women. Too often, when a woman advances, we find ourselves opposing her. This mindset must change.”
Joint Convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Monira Sharmin, noted that the aspirations for political change among young people, sparked by the 5 August mass uprising have yet to be reflected in meaningful participation within mainstream politics.
Dialogues of this kind not only spotlight existing gaps but also pave the way for women’s leadership, advance inclusive political reforms and amplify women’s voices in shaping a resilient and participatory democratic future for Bangladesh.
