Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid today ‍spoke Women's Political Rights Forum at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Oct 9, 2025 (BSS) - Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid today called for ensuring women's full participation in political party nominations and their mandatory presence at all levels of party leadership.

"We want a future Bangladesh where women are not just voters or frontline activists, but also play a central and powerful role in parliamentary leadership and decision-making. The awakening of women's power can build a society free from gender-based oppression," she said.

The adviser was addressing a conference, organized by Women's Political Rights Forum, at the Krishibid Institute in the capital, demanding meaningful representation of women in national politics. 

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter, former Adviser to the Caretaker Government Begum Rasheda K Chowdhury, BNP Assistant Secretary Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, BNP Organising Secretary Shama Obaid and Chief Coordinator of the Ganoshonghoti Andolon Jonaid Saki also addressed the event. 

Murshid highlighted Bangladesh as a leading example of women's education and empowerment in South Asia and globally. 

"Nearly 65 percent of the leaders in the July uprising were women, who played leading roles as July warriors. In 2025, attempts to restrain this progressive journey using religion or patriarchy are both illogical and unjust," she said.

She added, "Bangladeshi women are generally religious, yet they demonstrate equal competence when given opportunities in any profession. No religion, including Islam, supports discrimination against women. So using misinterpretations of religion to hold women back is regrettable today."

The adviser stressed that just as Bangladeshi women are advancing the economy alongside men, they will prove their merit and excellence equally in leadership roles if given the opportunity.

Murshid also urged the Election Commission to ensure an environment that facilitates women's participation at every stage of the national parliamentary elections enabling more women to contest in future polls.