Islami Front asks EC to scrap provision for 33% female representation

Bangladesh Islami Front has asked the Election Commission to repeal the provision that binds all political parties to ensure 33 percent female representation at all levels.

The party, which held a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda on Sunday, has suggested forming alliances with women politicians instead.

“Let’s not limit the women to quotas in the executive committee of political parties, rather give them the opportunity to work freely by creating fronts or affiliates with them,” Secretary General Maulana MA Matin said.

As per section 90-‘kha’ of the Representation of the People Order, party membership should comprise 33 percent women, and the target must be achieved by 2020.

A 12-member delegation led by Chairman Allama MA Mannan sat with the CEC for an hour and made 10 recommendations with an aim to organize a free and fair parliamentary election.

The 11th general elections are due between late 2018 and early 2019.

Deployment of army, bringing the home, public administration and the LGRD ministries under the Election Commission, and creating the scope for electoral debates were some of the recommendations made during the meeting.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh is next in queue to hold the dialogue with the CEC.