Bangladesh's politics witnessed commendable emergence of Its women folk to the leadership echelons, with two of them being at the helm of state affairs during the concluding decade of the millennium that has just been runs out.

Incumbent Sheikh Hasina and her predecessor Khaleda Zia became prime ministers for the consecutive terms since the nation saw the fall of dictatorial rule by General Ershad in 1990.

The two most powerful ladies are still dominating the national politics and are expected to continue doing so In the years to come. Both of them Inherited family tradition in politics to put an end to their typical role of housewives.

Hasina joined politics after her father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated in the 'August. 1975 military coup' while Khaleda following her husband late President Ziaur Rahman's assassination in a similar incident In 1981.

Before they could make It to the office o! prime minister. Hasina and Khaleda both had to tread a long way. taking to the streets in robust movements against autocracy. Khaleda's road to power took her seven years on streets, but for Hasina the struggle was for a longer period — 14 years.

Assuming office, both the ladies appointed a number of their women colleagues in the party as ministers and took various steps for ensuring uplift of the women folk In all spheres of national life

Inspired by their successes, larger number of women joined politics — starting from the centre. down to the rural areas. Women's participation increased in the last parliamentary elections Increased considerably and many of them got elected. Their participation in voting and day-to-day political campaign also Increased

Grassroot level women activists also got elected in larger numbers to the local government bodies like the Union Parishads and the Pourashavas. thanks to the reserved seats in the two local bodies

Besides, more such representatives are in the offing through the forthcoming elections to Upazila Parishads. another tier of local government.

With these developments taking place in the last decade, women s Increased representation in politics at all levels — from parliament down to the UPs — are now being talked about.