Bangladesh Elections: Female Representation Plummets Despite History of Women Leaders

• Bangladesh, once led by powerful women Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, now faces a severe struggle with female political representation.
• Only 78 women are contesting in the upcoming parliamentary elections, a number considered a new record in Dhaka but still very low.
• Nearly a third of female candidates are relatives of influential men, highlighting a 'tokenistic and largely dynastic' participation.
• Experts note that the country lags in gender parity in politics, with 67 constituencies having female candidates, leaving most seats without direct female representation.
• Despite a legal requirement for 33% women in party committees, many parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have fielded only male candidates, citing 'Islamic principles' or 'grassroots selection'.