The 5% that never came: Women pushed aside as parties dodge election commitment

Despite women being at the forefront of the August 2024 uprising that toppled the Awami League government, political parties have largely failed to honour their pledge to nominate at least 5 percent women candidates in the parliamentary election.

Muhammad Yunus-led interim government had introduced reforms aimed at restoring democracy, including a commitment under the July National Charter that parties would nominate women in no fewer than 5 percent of the 300 directly elected seats.

Election Commission data show that while more than a hundred women submitted nomination papers, only around 65 survived scrutiny.

The final number of women contesting will be confirmed on Jan 20 after appeals.

Among the parties that signed the July Charter, the BNP nominated the highest number of women in absolute terms but still fell short of the five percent benchmark.

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