Dropped from 19 to 7
13th National Parliament Election: 7 Women Candidates Elected
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is set to form the government following a landslide victory in the 13th National Parliament election, has seen a significant decline in women’s representation in the new parliament.
In the 12th National Parliament election, 19 women candidates were directly elected, whereas in the 13th National Parliament election that number has dropped to only 7. This means that within just one electoral cycle, women’s representation has decreased by 12 seats, a development that is being viewed with concern in political circles.
Among the 7 women candidates who won in the 13th election, six are from BNP and one is barrister Rumin Farhana, who was expelled from BNP. The women candidates who won in Thursday’s election are:
- Manikganj-3: Afroza Khan Rita
- Jhalokathi-2: Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto
- Sylhet-2: Tahsina Rushdier Luna
- Faridpur-2: Shama Obaed
- Faridpur-3: Nayab Yusuf Kamal
- Natore-1: Farzana Sharmin Putul
- Brahmanbaria-2: Barrister Rumin Farhana
According to political analysts, a reduction in the number of women candidates, fewer nominations, the nature of electoral competition, and campaign strategies may have contributed to the decline in women’s representation. Although the total number of women in parliament may increase through reserved seats for women, the drop in directly elected female representatives sends a negative signal regarding women’s political empowerment.
Meanwhile, out of 299 seats, BNP has secured a majority according to unofficial results and is set to form the government for the fourth time after 20 years. However, the decline in women’s representation is likely to become an important issue in discussions about policymaking and inclusive politics under the new government.
