Staff Reporter :
The Women’s Reform Commission has proposed ensuring a minimum of one-third female representation across all local government institutions in Bangladesh, as part of a broader set of reforms aimed at advancing women’s rights and strengthening decentralised governance.
Commission members formally submitted their report to Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House, Jamuna.
The report presents a wide-ranging framework to establish and
protect women’s rights and interests, while promoting inclusive development at the grassroots level.
Among the key recommendations are the abolition of political party-based local elections, holding local government polls prior to the national election, and preserving traditional governance systems among indigenous communities in both hill and plain regions.
The report also advocates incorporating community leaders such as headmen and karbaris into local governance structures.
To enhance accountability and responsiveness, the Commission suggests establishing grievance redress mechanisms and citizen oversight frameworks within local government bodies.
It further urges ensuring women’s participation in planning processes and budget allocation decisions, as well as harmonising all relevant local government laws to ensure consistent female representation across all tiers.
Addressing the issue of violence against women and girls, the report calls for an immediate review and amendment of existing laws during the interim government period, based on the Commission’s findings. It also emphasises the need for effective implementation of these legal reforms.
The report proposes the establishment and activation of dedicated help desks in all courts and police stations for women, children, the elderly, and individuals with special needs.
In addition, it highlights the importance of monitoring the enforcement of previously issued directives to make institutions such as police stations, hospitals, and courts more accessible and supportive to women.
In response to the recommendations, Chief Adviser Dr Yunus instructed all relevant ministries and divisions to take immediate steps to implement the actionable points. “The recommendations that can be implemented right away should be put into action by us,” he stated.
He underscored the significance of the reform initiative, saying, “Through this effort, we have the opportunity to set an example for the rest of the world. Girls everywhere are watching-they will look to this, draw inspiration from it. Women in other countries are equally invested in this cause.”
Dr Yunus further emphasised that this is not solely a women’s issue, but a national imperative. He announced that the report would be published and distributed in book form, similar to a textbook, to ensure it reaches beyond government offices and into the public domain.
The recommendations will also be shared with political parties through the National Consensus Commission to promote broad-based political dialogue and support.
Chairperson of the Women’s Reform Commission, Shireen Parveen Huq, a founding member of the women’s rights organisation Naripokkho, remarked, “In remembrance of those who lost their lives in July, we wanted to do something meaningful-something that serves both the people and society.”
The interim government established the 10-member Women’s Reform Commission in November last year, appointing Shireen Parveen Huq to lead the body in drafting strategic reforms to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment across the country.
