Bangladesh groups protest against reserved seats

Bangladesh activists are protesting against the reservation of women seats in Parliament saying it's a blow to women empowerment.

Womens groups and political parties in Bangladesh are protesting against the Government's decision to reserve 45 seats for women in Parliament, sans direct elections, terming it a blow to women's empowerment.

The government on Monday approved a proposal of the 14th amendment of the Constitution containing six changes, including reintroduction of women's reserved seats for ten years — to be distributed proportionately among political parties.

While the government says its decision taken on International Women's Day will empower women as it has increased the number of reserved seats for women from 30 to 45, groups lobbying for 64 seats with direct election stress that the decision will give women parliamentarians purely ornamental value.

They add that women should be elected on merit, rather than nominated.

Remarks Bangladesh Workers Party leader, Rashed Khan Menon, "Through this provision the government has branded women a commodity to share with all political parties."

Opposition lawmaker, Golam Mohammad Quader, also dismisses the government decision as absurd, saying, "It is just an attempt to beautify Parliament."

Women's groups are also lambasting the ruling party for violating its election pledge to ensure direct voting for women's reserved seats in the 300-member Parliament.

The provision of reserved seats for women, introduced in 1972, was forgotten after the last election in 2001. These seats were traditionally filled by nominated candidates, with women and socio-political groups demanding direct election to them.

Ever since, the issue has been hanging fire.

"Women in Bangladesh are still not in mainstream politics so we decided to create an environment to introduce the direct election system within the next ten years," remarks Law Minister Moudud Ahmed, explaining why his party did not fulfil its election pledge.

"Under the current perspective, it will not be possible to have direct elections in reserved seats. If we do that, the voters for each woman candidate will number 1.3 to 1.5 million," adds the Law Minister, claiming the decision was taken after discussion with various women and nongovernmental organizations.

The proposed law says after electing 300 general parliamentarians, parties in Parliament will nominate women candidates in proportion to their total strength.

Speaking on behalf of a forum of 34 women organizations - Samajik Protirod Committee, Aysha Khanum, says Ahmed's comment reveals the government's blinkered mindset.

"The demand for direct election in women's reserved seats is a national issue because leaders of various political parties have supported the demand at different times. But the government has shown disregard for such a popular demand," regrets Aysha.

Agrees Naila Khan from a collective called the Sammilito Nari Samaj (Combined Women's Society), "We will not tolerate anything but direct election for women."

Ironically, Khan accuses the two women leaders of the male-dominated parties, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and Leader of the Opposition, Sheikh Hasina of blocking the demand.

Declares Khan, "If Khaleda Zia has any respect for her own words, she should go for direct election for women."

"This is war! We will not compromise on our demand for direct election for women into parliament," thunders Farida Akhtar, executive director of environmental and women empowerment rights group, Ubinig.