Bikalpadhara wants mandatory provision of 33% women representation revoked

Bikalpadhara Bangladesh has failed to maintain 33% women’s representation in the party in 2020 in line with the Election Commission’s directives, and demanded that this provision be revoked, describing it as an unrealistic condition.

In a letter to the commission chief, party’s Secretary General Maj (retd) Abdul Mannan gave six reasons why his party could not ensure 30% women in its central and other committees. 

A team of representatives of the party, led by Deputy Office Secretary Aminul Islam Bulu, handed over the letter to the Election Commission at the latter’s office on Sunday. 

The letter reads that working to fulfill the provision of reserving 33% posts for the women – only to meet the conditions – discourages political activities. 

Moreover, women entrepreneurship in socio-economic activities and women leadership in political parties are not the same, the party says. Women’s membership in a political party cannot be made mandatory to prove women empowerment, if they do not agree to join politics.

On the other hand, if someone is given a post not based on qualification, it may lead to the misuse of power. Such examples are seen in Bangladesh, it says. 

The political leadership is decided upon qualification and proper guidance, because they have to work for the people. Personal interests are insignificant in politics. 

The party also says that in a democratic system, people’s welfare is more important than serving someone’s personal interests. People join political parties independently. But, the socio-economic situation of Bangladesh is not so women-friendly that they can join politics easily, disregarding responsibilities in the family. 

Founded in 2004 by former president and BNP lawmaker Professor AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, Bikalpadhara has two MPs in the 11th parliament. They are Maj (retd) Mannan and Mahi B Chowdhury.