The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expressed its support for increasing the number of reserved seats for women in Parliament to 100. However, the party has clarified that it does not support direct elections for these seats and instead prefers the current nomination-based system.
This announcement was made by Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of BNP’s Standing Committee, during a press briefing on Monday (July 14, 2025) after a meeting of the National Consensus Commission.
BNP Prefers Existing Nomination-Based Method
Salahuddin stated that while BNP believes in increasing women’s representation in the National Parliament, it supports doing so through the existing nomination process.
“সংসদে ১০০ নারী আসনের পক্ষে বিএনপি। তবে সরাসরি নির্বাচনের মাধ্যমে নয়, বিদ্যমান পদ্ধতিতে এসব আসনে প্রতিনিধিত্ব নিশ্চিত করা যেতে পারে।”
(“BNP supports 100 reserved seats for women in Parliament. However, representation should be ensured through the current method, not through direct elections.”)
BNP Highlights Its Role in Women’s Empowerment
Salahuddin also said that BNP has always played an important role in empowering women. He pointed out that the party is open to structural reforms in Parliament, including the formation of an Upper House to include experienced individuals from society.
“যারা সমাজে বিভিন্ন ক্ষেত্রে অবদান রেখেছেন, তাদের অভিজ্ঞতা কাজে লাগানোর জন্য আমরা সংসদের উচ্চকক্ষ গঠনের প্রস্তাব দিয়েছি।”
(“To utilize the experience of those who have contributed to society, we have proposed forming an Upper House in Parliament.”)
He also mentioned that there is no final agreement yet on how members of the proposed Upper House would be selected.
Inclusive Representation Under Discussion
Dr. Ali Riaz, Vice-President of the National Consensus Commission, was also present at the meeting. He confirmed that proposals regarding increased women’s seats and an Upper House are being discussed to ensure more inclusive representation in Parliament.
“সংসদে অন্তর্ভুক্তিমূলক প্রতিনিধিত্ব নিশ্চিত করতে নারী আসন বৃদ্ধি ও উচ্চকক্ষ গঠনের প্রস্তাব নিয়ে আলোচনা চলছে। তবে নারী আসনে প্রতিনিধিদের নির্বাচন পদ্ধতি এখনো চূড়ান্ত হয়নি।”
(“Discussions are ongoing regarding increasing women’s seats and forming an Upper House to ensure inclusive parliamentary representation. However, the election process for women’s seats is yet to be finalized.”)
About the National Consensus Commission
The National Consensus Commission is a consultative body made up of political parties, civil society members, and policy experts. Its focus is on advising on broad political reforms and ensuring inclusive governance in Bangladesh.
Source: Ittefaq
