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promote women’s leadership, and guarantee transparent nomination procedures.

The charter called for equal representation, 50 percent women and 50 percent men, at all levels of government as part of long-term democratic reforms.

It proposed regular gender-based audits of political parties in accordance with Section 90(B) of the Representation of the People Order. It said the findings should be made public.

The draft urged all political parties and elected representatives to establish internal complaint reception and redress mechanisms in line with the 2009 High Court directives.

It also recommended amending provisions of the RPO in line with General Recommendations 23 and 40 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Beijing Platform for Action, and the National Women Development Policy.

It proposed introducing provisions for the direct election of women representatives through a rotation system by reserving one-third of general seats at all levels of decentralised local government.

Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar said ensuring women’s political participation, representation, and leadership development requires coordinated efforts by the Election Commission, political parties, civil society, the media, and local communities.

WAVE Foundation Executive Director Mohsin Ali stressed the need to raise awareness about women’s political participation, representation, and leadership.

MP Rasheda Begum Hira said democratic reform means enabling women and men to work according to their abilities from their respective positions.

UN Women Representative Geetanjali Singh said to strengthen democratic governance, women must be included not only as voters but also as candidates, leaders, and decision-makers.

Harry Thomson, first secretary (political) at the Australian High Commission, said political parties should view women’s inclusion not merely as providing opportunities but as recognising women as a source of strength.

Stephanie St Laurent Brazard, second secretary (development, gender equality) at the Canadian High Commission, said when women actively participate and provide leadership in politics, they contribute to economic growth and strengthen society.

EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed called for coordinated efforts to prevent all forms of political violence against women. He said the realities of the situation could not be understood without engaging directly at the grassroots level.

Nusrat Tabassum, MP; Sanjida Islam Tuli, MP; EC Deputy Secretary Shah Alam; Luna Noor, central committee member of Communist Party of Bangladesh; Monira Sharmin, joint convener of National Citizen Party; Dr Habiba Chowdhury, political secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami; Nasrin Sultana Mili, joint general secretary of AB Party; Julhasnain Babu, general secretary of Ganosamhati Andolan; Ilira Dewan, former member of the Local Government Reform Commission; and Rajekuzzaman Ratan, joint general secretary of the Socialist Party of Bangladesh, among others, were present.