Dhaka: BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan today stated that seminars alone are insufficient to achieve true liberation and equality for women. He emphasized that meaningful change requires a shift in mindset, urging society to embrace a deeper commitment to empowering women in all spheres of life.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Khan made these remarks at a seminar titled 'The Interrelation between the July Uprising and Women's Political and Economic Empowerment,' held in the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Hotel in the city's Gulshan area. The event was organized by the Khan Foundation, with Advocate Rokhsana Khondker, Executive Director of the Foundation, presiding over the seminar. Dr. Adi Walker delivered the opening speech, and diplomats from various countries, including French Ambassador Marie Masdupuy, also participated in the event.
Dr. Khan raised a critical question about why women do not hold more than 50 percent of the seats in the Jatiya Sangsad, despite comprising over half of Bangladesh's population. He underscored their significant contribution to the national economy, specifically noting the approximately four million women employed in the garment sector. He argued that without a shift in societal mindset, the movement for women's liberation cannot succeed.
The BNP leader dismissed the argument that women cannot win elections if nominated, emphasizing that a candidate's success depends on popularity. He stressed the importance of integrating women into the political mainstream, deeming it the core issue needing addressal.
Dr. Khan also offered a global perspective on women's suffrage, highlighting that women in the Western world gained the right to vote only about a century ago. He pointed out that in Switzerland, women were granted the right to vote as recently as 1971-the same year Bangladesh gained independence. He urged political parties to consciously provide more opportunities to female candidates in the February 2026 election, acknowledging that no party has yet achieved 30 percent female representation.