Govt urged to keep provision of direct election

Sammilito Nari Samaj leader Farida Akter speaks at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity office in the city yesterday. PHOTO: STAR

At a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity office, the SNS leaders said if the bill is passed without this provision, they will urge all women activists of BNP and Awami League to abstain from seeking nomination of their parties considering the greater interest of women community.

They said the government on one hand is talking about women empowerment and on the other hand is shrinking their power.

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Expressing concern over the increase of repression on women across the country, the leaders demanded of the government to publish a 'white paper' on this issue.

Shirin Akter said the BNP made a promise to the nation before the general election that it will make a provision of direct election to reserved seats for women in parliament if voted to power.

Farida Akter said "We want to take nomination of political parties, but we want to be accountable to the public and not to the party alone."

Shamsunnahar said if women can compete in city corporation elections then why they will not be able to contest in the parliament election.

When asked, all the speakers said they will form a separate political party with women if the situations demand so.

Rokeya Rafique Baby and Sultana Akter Rubi were present at the conference.