News Flash
DHAKA, May 17, 2026 (BSS) - A five-member delegation, led by UN Assistant Secretary-General and UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, paid a courtesy call on Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban here.
Speaking to journalists about the meeting, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the delegation exchanged experiences regarding the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and asked how women's participation in elections could be further increased.
He said the delegation was informed that seven women candidates were elected directly in the polls, while many others also contested the election. There are also 50 reserved seats for women.
Akhtar Ahmed said the number of women public representatives would increase further in local government elections.
He said that the gap between male and female voters in the voter list was previously three million, which has now been reduced to 1.8 million. Efforts are ongoing to reduce the gap further.
Besides, the delegation was informed that no violence occurred during the election and that there were no incidents of ballot box snatching.
Akhtar Ahmed said the delegation has been working with the commission and expressed willingness to continue the cooperation.
The delegation members were UN Women Regional Director for Asia Christine Arab, UN Women Bangladesh Representative Gitanjali Singh, Deputy Representative Navanita Sinha and Unit Manager Tapati Saha.
