Dhaka: Adviser to the Ministries of Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs, Sharmeen S Murshid, today underscored the government’s dedication to promoting women’s empowerment and enhancing their opportunities in Bangladesh. She spoke as the chief guest at a policy dialogue titled ‘Election Campaign Funding (Women Candidates) Ordinance’ held at the Krishibid Institution. The event was organized under the B-Space project of Democracy International (DI) with support from UKAID, as stated in a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser welcomed the draft ordinance introduced at the dialogue, which focused on public funding for women candidates. She praised the feedback from various stakeholders that was shared during the event. The dialogue united leaders from political parties, the Election Commission, members of the Women Reform Commission, representatives from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, July Konnya, media professionals, and civil society leaders.
Sharmeen S Murshid highlighted the dialogue as a key milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic progress, demonstrating a shared commitment from all political parties to enhance national leadership and reform through women’s empowerment. During the event, a gender-sensitive public funding framework for women candidates was proposed, featuring a simplified application process and strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure transparency.
DI Country Director Dr. Md. Abdul Alim presented the draft and elaborated on its principal proposals. Speakers at the event unanimously agreed that the initiative would be crucial in advancing inclusive and representative governance. Political leaders voiced their support for the ordinance and promised to refine and expedite its passage for implementation.
The Election Commission also assured that, upon adoption, it would take effective measures to enforce the ordinance. DI Chief of Party Catherine Cecil remarked that international research indicates public funding significantly bolsters women’s political representation. She stressed that Bangladesh has a pivotal opportunity to transform its democratic landscape, ensuring that public funding provides equal opportunities for women to progress.