Dhaka: A five-member delegation, led by UN Assistant Secretary-General and UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, paid a courtesy call on Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban here. The meeting focused on women’s participation in the electoral process.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed informed journalists that the delegation exchanged experiences regarding the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and explored strategies to enhance women’s participation in elections. The delegation was briefed on the election’s outcomes, highlighting that seven women candidates were directly elected, alongside numerous others who contested. Additionally, there are 50 reserved seats for women in the assembly.
Ahmed emphasized the anticipated increase in the number of women public representatives in upcoming local government elections. He noted that the voter list’s gender gap, previously at three million, has been reduced to 1.8 million, with ongoing efforts to narrow it further.
The delegation was also apprised of the peaceful nature of the elections, with no occurrences of violence or ballot box snatching reported. Ahmed reiterated the delegation’s commitment to continue collaborating with the commission.
The delegation included UN Women Regional Director for Asia Christine Arab, UN Women Bangladesh Representative Gitanjali Singh, Deputy Representative Navanita Sinha, and Unit Manager Tapati Saha.