Awami League, BNP claim to have same numbers of female members

The ruling Awami League and its arch-rival BNP boast the same numbers of female members in committees, according to their reports submitted to the Election Commission.

Women must account for 33 percent of party members, and the target must be achieved by 2020, according to the Representation of the People Order.

The Election Commission sent letters to 40 registered political parties on Jun 13 asking them to notify the commission over their progress in reaching the target.

The commission set Jul 10 as the deadline but later extended it to Aug 4 having received responses from only less than half of the parties.

Both BNP and Awami League have claimed to have 15 percent female members in all committees, said EC officials.

The ruling party has 19 percent female members in its central committee, according to its report.

Five parties are yet to respond to the EC notice. They are Bikalpa Dhara, Gano Forum, Tariqat Federation, Oikkoboddho Nagorik Andolon and Communist Party of Bangladesh.

Those who have submitted reports did not clarify their status and expressed hope to meet the target by 2020, said the EC officials.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal has 11.99 percent female members in its central committee and 8 percent to 10 percent female members in its district committees.