Ensure adequate women's representation in polls

Participants of the International Women's Day festival. Sitting from left are Khan Foundation Executive Director Advocate Rokhsana Khondker, Chairperson Korsheda Banu, Indian High Commissioner Veena Sikri, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Prof Selima Rahman, Mrs Rosana of Italian Embassy, Deputy Chief of the Mission of the US Embassy Judith Chamas, Mrs George and USAID Country Director Gene V George and Science and ICT Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan

Rather, the political parties should ensure adequate representation of women in the general elections, he said at an International Women's Day festival in the city.

Women are often perceived as second class citizens, he said and called for ensuring their representations in every sphere of society such as administration, teaching and local government.

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The Khan Foundation organised the festival to mark the International Women's Day. Canadian High Commissioner David Sproule, Indian High Commissioner Veena Sikri, and z attended the festival.

Khan Foundation Executive Director Advocate Rokhsana Khondker and Chairperson Korsheda Banu also spoke at the inaugural session of the festival.

The speakers said although the country continues to lag behind in the area of women's rights, it has made great strides since independence.

The festival began with a number of dances and songs presented by young girls and women while event organisers wore vests promoting the theme, "Speak out, Reach out and Act Now".