Why is Bangladesh's new government missing women?

Deutsche Welle

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Bangladesh's newly sworn-in government, led by the center-right BNP and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has drawn criticism for its dismal representation of women in parliament and the cabinet. Despite promises to empower women during the election campaign, only seven out of 300 MPs are female, marking the lowest number in 25 years. The 50-member cabinet includes just three women, raising concerns about the government's commitment to gender equality and women's rights. Rumeen Farhana, one of the few female MPs elected as an independent candidate after being expelled by the BNP, highlights systemic barriers preventing women from entering politics. She points out that political parties often sideline female candidates to avoid losing votes in competitive districts. This trend reflects a broader societal issue where misogyny and gender bias persist despite formal commitments to equality. Monira Sharmin of the National Citizen Party (NCP) further reveals the challenges faced by women in Bangladesh's political landscape. Her party proposed reserving 100 constituencies for female candidates, but this idea was rejected by dominant parties like the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Sharmin emphasizes that cultural attitudes towards women in politics remain a significant hurdle, with many voters dismissing or even persecuting female politicians. The lack of women's representation not only undermines gender equality efforts but also weakens policy-making by excluding diverse perspectives. With only seven female MPs and a meager three women in the cabinet, critics argue that the government is failing to prioritize women's rights. This underrepresentation raises questions about whether Bangladesh can achieve meaningful progress on women's empowerment under the current leadership. The issue of women's political exclusion in Bangladesh is not just a national concern but also has broader implications for global perceptions of gender equality in South Asia. As the country continues to grapple with systemic barriers, the lack of female representation underscores the need for structural reforms and cultural shifts to ensure that women have equal opportunities to participate in shaping their nation's future.

Verticals

worldpolitics

Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/26/2026