For decades, Bangladesh has celebrated the rise of women in politics, but in practice, their presence in parliament is shrinking. Despite policy initiatives and growing public discourse on gender equality, the 13th national parliamentary election saw only seven women directly elected, a stark decline from previous terms. 

This marks a drop from 19 directly elected female MPs in the 12th parliamentary elections of 2024 and 22 in the 11th elections of 2018, which remains the highest number of directly elected women in the country’s history.

Sources indicate that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is set to form the government for the fourth consecutive term with an absolute majority. Among the victorious candidates, six women belong to the BNP. 

They are: Afroza Khanam Rita from Manikganj-3, Israt Sultana Elen Bhutto from Jhalokathi-2, Tahsina Rushdi Luna from Sylhet-2, Shama Obaid Islam from Faridpur-2, Nayab Yusuf Ahmed Islam from Faridpur-3, and Farzana Sharmin Putul from Natore-1. In addition, Barrister Rumeen Farhana, a former BNP MP, was elected as an independent candidate from Brahmanbaria-2.

According to the Election Commission, 30 out of the 51 political parties that contested the 13th parliamentary election did not field a single female candidate. Out of 1,991 candidates in the election, only 65 were women. By comparison, the 2024 elections saw a record 94 female candidates competing, while the 2018 elections had 69 female contenders.

Historical records from the Secretariat of Parliament show that women’s representation in Bangladesh’s legislature has fluctuated over time. In the first national elections on 7 March 1973, 15 women were represented through reserved seats. By the second parliament in 1979, this number rose to 30, including Syeda Razia Faiz, who was the country’s first and only directly elected female MP from Khulna-14. 

In the third parliament of 1986, only five women were directly elected, followed by four in the fourth parliament of 1988. Subsequent parliaments saw modest gains: five out of 39 in the fifth parliament of 1991, eight out of 36 in the seventh parliament of 1996, six out of 38 in the eighth parliament of 2001, 19 out of 59 in the ninth parliament of 2008, and 18 out of 29 in the tenth parliament of 2014.

A review of parliamentary records, electoral documents, and legislative notices suggests that, although female leadership has grown gradually in the country, it has not translated into substantial contributions to lawmaking. 

Some observers still regard women as ornamental in parliament, while others argue for their critical role in strengthening democracy. Experts note that while the number of reserved seats has increased over time, the qualitative leadership of women MPs has not necessarily improved. The number of directly elected female MPs is declining, yet enhancing women’s political empowerment remains essential for the consolidation of democracy.