Dhaka: Women's participation has significantly increased across multiple sectors following the July Uprising, stated Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam today. He highlighted that women are not only pursuing higher education abroad but are also expected to return and contribute to the political landscape through academia.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mahfuj Alam shared these insights during a programme titled 'Women in Democracy Building: What Have We Got,' organized by Women in Democracy at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) Auditorium in the capital. Alam expressed optimism about the growing involvement of women in mainstream politics over the next five years.
He emphasized that effective policy implementation requires a shift in the political framework of Bangladesh. Discussing women's empowerment, Alam pointed out the intricate intersection of religion, tradition, legal norms, and modernity in Bangladeshi society, which is crucial to fostering social compromise.
Alam highlighted the lengthy 150-year journey of women in Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of understanding this history to address challenges related to women. He called for active participation from political parties, institutions, and civil society groups in policy implementation, stressing that the government cannot achieve this alone.
Moreover, Alam underscored the necessity of ensuring an open political space for women to engage in policy formulation and execution. The event also featured speeches from notable figures such as Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Professor Dilara Chowdhury, and human rights activist Shahidul Alam, among others.