EC Anwarul regrets low women’s representation despite 49.27 percent voter share

Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarker has expressed concern over the sharp gap between women’s share of the electorate and their representation in parliament.

He made the comments at a workshop titled “National Multi-Stakeholder Consultation on the Development of a Gender Equality Strategy for the Bangladesh Election Commission” in Dhaka on Sunday.

“Despite women making up 49.27 percent of voters, the number of women representatives is only 2.3 percent. In terms of voters, women are quite strong. But in terms of representation, it is almost non-existent,” Anwarul said.

Seven women won direct elections to the parliament in 2026, accounting for about 2.33 percent of the 300 general seats.

The commissioner attributed women’s low political participation to social attitudes, the political environment, socioeconomic conditions, culture, and a tendency to view politics negatively.

“No matter how hard we try as social beings, we cannot stay out of politics, but we also don't see politics positively.

“We don't encourage our children, sisters, relatives to go into politics. The reality is unpopular, but it is true.”

More Women in Parties, More Women Candidates

Anwarul stressed that increasing women’s participation within political parties would help improve their representation in parliament.

“If there are more women as political workers, then more women candidates will come. If there were 50 percent women workers in political parties, then they would have no choice but to nominate 50 percent women.

“Where there should be 50 percent, there is only 2 percent, which is almost non-existent.”

He called for greater efforts to change perceptions about politics and strengthen women’s rights within political parties.

“First, the message that politics is not bad and that good people must enter politics must be conveyed to every household.

“Women’s rights and nominations must also be ensured within political parties. The more women are involved, the more their voices are raised, the more representation will be established.”

Women’s Role in Election Administration

The commissioner also highlighted women’s participation in the Election Commission’s field-level administration.

He said 18 returning officers were women in the latest national election, while women accounted for nearly one-third of assistant returning officers.