On 12 July 2025 (Saturday), at 3:30 PM, a rally and gathering was held at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, organized by the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP), demanding direct elections for reserved women’s seats in the National Parliament. The event was presided over by BMP President Dr. Fauzia Moslem.
Speakers at the event included BMP General Secretary Maleka Banu; Movement Secretary and President of Belabo Upazila Branch Rabeya Khatun Shanti; Training, Research, and Library Sub-Committee Secretary and Narayanganj District Branch President Rina Ahmed; Dhaka Metropolitan Committee General Secretary Rehana Yunus; Central Committee Member and Tongi District Branch President Anwara Begum; and National Committee Member and General Secretary of the Women Workers’ Center Sahida Parvin Shikha.
Dr. Fauzia Moslem stated, “We are walking the path to reclaim our identity. Since 1972, we have been fighting for women’s rights in decision-making. Now is the time to establish women’s role in governance. The women’s movement is a societal movement—society stands with us and will continue to do so. Together, we will push for our demands. We believe that the call for direct elections for women in Parliament will one day gain public acceptance. Democracy cannot progress by leaving anyone behind—hence, we demand an increase in reserved seats for women to one-third and direct elections. To uplift marginalized groups, opportunities must be provided. Political parties must take the demands of the women’s movement seriously and strengthen women politically. The voices of the people must be heard.”
She added, “Today, attempts are being made to intimidate women, but the women who fought in the Liberation War cannot be silenced—they remain committed to securing their rights.”
Maleka Banu, General Secretary of BMP, said, “Increasing reserved seats and introducing direct elections have been our long-standing demands. Women played a crucial role in the 1971 Liberation War, and the Constitution guarantees equal rights for all, including women and marginalized communities. However, although many women enter politics, they are often bound by party loyalty due to the nomination system. We demand direct elections so women can be independently elected. Political parties must not just make promises but take concrete steps toward women’s political empowerment.”
Rabeya Khatun Shanti, Movement Secretary, emphasized, “Human rights are universal, and the women’s movement has not been in vain. Today, women have decision-making power because of this struggle. Amidst the current crisis, we must push for one-third reserved seats and direct elections to secure women’s rightful place.”
Ri6na Ahmed, Training Secretary, said, “Violence against women has increased, yet female MPs remain silent. They must advocate for direct elections and raise these issues strongly in Parliament.”
Rehana Yunus, General Secretary of Dhaka City Committee, stated, “For 55 years, women’s political progress has been slow. Direct elections are essential to ensure women’s leadership and equal dignity.”
Anwara Begum, Tongi District President, urged, “We must raise awareness at the grassroots level to build women’s political leadership—without it, women’s welfare agendas cannot be realized.”
Sahida Parvin Shikha, representing working-class women, said, “This is not a battle between men and women but a fight for democracy. Without women’s political empowerment, democracy remains incomplete. We reject nominations—we demand direct elections.”
After the speeches, a rally marched from Shaheed Minar to Paltan Intersection.
The event was attended by representatives from the Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE), working women, labor organizations, BMP leaders, activists from Tongi, Belabo, and Narayanganj branches, journalists, and members of the public.
The program was moderated by BMP’s Advocacy and Lobby Director, Jana Goswami.
