Mohila Parishad wants changes in reserve seats for women

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) has demanded a modified reservation system for female members of the parliament. BMP urged the Election Commission to take the initiative during a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Tuesday. In the proposal, BMP urged the CEC to increase the total number of parliament seats from 300 to 450 for upcoming national elections. The proposal also demanded an election for each seat rather the current reservation process. The current reservation process selects candidates rather electing. They also asked the CEC for 150 seats in the parliament over which female members will compete only. This will increase female participation in the next national election. The General Secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Maleka Banu said the current selection procedure of reserved seats for women in the parliament does not promote women’s empowerment. She hoped that the reserved seat provision will be extended after 10th national election. The BMP also said that every party must nominate women to 33% of their total nominations. They also asked the CEC to bring back the “No vote” in the election. Using religious thoughts and muscle power in the election should be banned, the organisation added.