The country's womenfolk has to wage a movement to force political parties to create scope for their Increased and effective participation In politics.

They' also have to struggle against the existing political system that has so far failed to make any significant contribution to increase women's role in governance.

These were the two key points that dominated the discussions at a seminar titled "Women in National Politics" In the city yesterday.

Parliamentarians, womens right activists and academics participated In the seminar, organised by the BriUsh Council at its auditorium.

Two women MPs from the United Kingdom also spoke. The audience include those working for empowerment of women in different fields.

Prof Rehman Sobhan of Centre for Policy Dialogue moderated the seminar. Questions from among the audience were also invited.

There were arguments between

lawmakers of ruling Awami League and opposlUon BNP over the pending Bill in the JaUya Sangsad seeking retention of women s reserved seats In parliament. Other speakers blamed politicians for using the constitutional provision over the years for their politician ends.

Prof Nazmunnessa Mahtab of the Department of Public Administration, Dhaka University, presented statisUcs showing that there was little progress in Increasing women's participation In politics and in governance.

In her key-note paper. Nazmunnessa said, although women constitute about half of the country's population, they are still deprived of their due role in running the affairs of the state and in decision-making.

The number of women in leadership positions in ministries is very Insignificant,” she said.

She presented a chart showing that the highest 8.69 per cent women are In the Cabinet of Hasina. It was six per cent in the Cabinet ofZiaur Rahman, five per

cent in the Cabinet of Khaleda Zia. four per cent In the Cabinet of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and three per cent in the Cabinet of MH Ershad.

Prof Nazmunnessa suggested formation of a caucus of women in the Jatiya Sangsad to press the government to address women's Issues effectively.

Prime Minister's Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Suranjlt Sengupta, who was the chief speaker on the occasion, criticised BNP for not cooperating with the government in passing the Bill on the women's reserved seats.

Suranjlt requested the opposition lawmakers to Join the parliament session 'at least once more’ to support the crucial BUI and give their suggestions, If any.

"Let us keep women's issues above party politics and ensure their constitutional rights". Suranjlt said as Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law Ministry, he will return the Bill to the House in the next session.

BNP MP Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said constitutional provision for reserved seats for women in parliament has failed to ensure proper participation of women in politics.

Therefore, there should be a massive campaign to motiv’ate the womenfolk to participate in politics and elections and to make people aware of women's constitutional rights.

Jatlya Party legislator Tasmlma Hossain said the present political practice is promoting only those women who are in advantageous positions in the society.

Both Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia are now in their present positions because of their family backgrounds." she said, admitting that a similar background also brought her to parliament.

She appealed to all major political parties to nominate at least 30 per cent of their candidates tn elections from among women.

Awaml League lawmaker SM Akbar said the role of women is changing fast in the society, but still there are difficulties to ensure their legitimate rights, especially in politics.

The ruling party MP regretted that the large number of women elected to local government bodies like the Union Parishad were not getting the authority to serve their electorate due to non-cooperation by their male colleagues.

Oona King, member of the British House of Commons, and Baroness Pola Uddin, member of

the British House of Lords, spoke about their experiences as women members of Labour Party.

BNP MP Major (Retd) Hafizuddin Ahmed and women's right activists Maleka Begum. Shirin Akhtar. Afroza Parveen and Rokeya Ahmed w’ere among others who participated in the open discussion.