Dhaka: Political leaders, academics, civil society representatives, activists, lawyers, and youth organizations convened at a roundtable dialogue to address the obstacles hindering the participation of young people and women in Bangladeshi politics. The event, titled ‘Shaping Inclusive Leadership: Women and Youth in Politics,’ emphasized the critical need for recognizing rights, identity, and mutual respect to ensure true inclusion in the democratic process.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, organized the dialogue at the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) Auditorium. Zillur Rahman, President of CGS, presided over the session, highlighting that genuine inclusion entails not only participation but also effective authority in decision-making and resource allocation. He noted that women often find themselves at the forefront when needed but lack adequate space when it comes to wielding power.
State Minister for the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Nurul Haque Nur, acknowledged the significant roles played by women and young people in the July movement. However, he lamented the lack of proper recognition and inclusion following their contributions. He criticized the interim government for empowering a select few young individuals while sidelining the broader youth population.
Nurul Haque Nur also expressed support for the rights and movements of ordinary people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, describing the activities of armed groups as a threat to national security. He highlighted the government’s efforts to expand overseas employment opportunities beyond the Middle East, particularly for educated youth, and stressed the importance of reforming cyber laws and addressing derogatory remarks against women and extremist political behavior.
Nazmul Haque Prodhan, General Secretary of Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal- Bangladesh (JaSad), proposed preparing young people for responsible leadership rather than making them power-centric. Subrata Chowdhury, President of Gono Forum, emphasized that the primary objective of politics should be serving the interests of the people. He advocated for encouraging young people to advance without dismissing the past, while utilizing the experience of senior generations.
Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary, General Secretary of Jatiya Party (JaPa), pointed out the inadequate representation of young people in Parliament as a political failure. He urged for opportunities for young individuals to work alongside seasoned politicians and emphasized the need for effective authority and resource allocation for women in local government.
Dr. Sakhawat Hossain Sayantha, General Secretary of G-9, highlighted the risks linked to student politics and the influence of money and muscle power, which have deterred talented young people from entering politics. He advocated for ensuring the representation of women and youth at different levels within political parties.
Parvez Karim Abbasi, CGS Executive Director, remarked that despite Bangladesh being governed by women for an extended period, there is still insufficient representation of women in national politics. He cited Rwanda as an example of a country empowering women as part of national reconstruction, urging Bangladesh to follow suit.
Abdullah Al Kafee Ratan, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), emphasized the need to recognize diversity and the rights of ethnic minorities. He called for increasing the participation of women and young people in political leadership, including providing women opportunities for direct election to Parliament and considering age limits for political positions.
Raisa Rifat Juin, Central Assistant Secretary General and Head of the Literature and Cultural Department of Bangladesh Islami Chatri Sangstha, stressed that young people are often undervalued due to their age, while women lack a clear pathway to rise from grassroots politics. She advocated for meaningful inclusion beyond mere numbers.
Tilottoma Eite, Social Welfare and Environment Secretary of Bangladesh Students’ Union, criticized the reluctance to politically empower women, which results in inadequate nominations and limited decision-making roles. She noted that marginalized women remain excluded, and representatives in reserved seats often fail to work effectively.