Increase reserved seats for women by one-third

Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) has once again made the call for increasing reserved seats for women in Jatiya Sangsad (JS) by one-third.

The BMP has also demanded holding direct polls in the reserved seats without nomination and delimitation of the election areas.

To this effect, the Parishad has urged the government to place the bill in the upcoming session of parliament.

Earlier on July 8 last year, the parliament unanimously passed the Constitution (17th Amendment) Bill 2018, extending the system of women's reserved seats in the House for 25 more years.

The women's human rights organisation came up with the demand at a press conference held at Sufia Kamal Bhaban Auditorium in the city on Sunday.

The BMP also called for an end to the unabating trend of torture and abuse of women and children across the country.

BMP president Ayesha Khanam, among others, spoke on the occasion.

The BMP wants the 17th amendment to be rescinded, said Ayesha Khanam, calling upon the government to hold direct polls in the seats without nomination.

The women community has been made subservient to political parties through such bill, she remarked.

BMP Andolon (movement) Secretary Rekha Chowdhury read out a statement at the function.

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