Bangladesh sees historic low of women in parliament
Deutsche Welle
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Bangladesh has achieved a disheartening milestone in its political history with the lowest number of women in parliament in 25 years. Despite promises of reforms to empower women, the newly sworn-in government led by the center-right Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has only seven female MPs out of 300 seats and three women in its 50-member cabinet. This stark underrepresentation raises concerns about the impact on gender equality and policy-making.
The BNP's landslide victory in February's general elections saw Tarique Rahman, a 60-year-old leader, take charge after an 18-month interim period marked by political turmoil. While women make up half of Bangladesh's voters, their voices remain marginalized in the new government. Rumeen Farhana, one of the few female MPs elected as an independent candidate, highlights systemic barriers faced by women in politics. Political parties often prioritize male candidates to avoid losing constituencies, reflecting deep-rooted societal misogyny that discourages female participation.
Farhana and other advocates have proposed measures like reserving specific constituencies for female candidates to level the playing field. However, opposition from dominant parties like BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami has stalled these efforts. Monira Sharmin of the National Citizen Party, part of a progressive alliance, faced similar challenges when her party withdrew support for gender-focused reforms. These obstacles underscore the broader structural issues hindering women's political representation.
The lack of female voices in parliament not only stifles gender equality initiatives but also undermines democratic progress. Empowering women in politics is crucial for inclusive governance and addressing pressing societal issues. Bangladesh's struggle reflects a global challenge, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to break down barriers and create opportunities for women to lead.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/26/2026