Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury. Star file photo
Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury today said two major political parties should sit in a dialogue without setting any pre-condition to resolve the crisis ahead of the next parliamentary election.
“It will be effective and meaningful if they (political parties) can reach a consensus through an open discussion,” she said while speaking at a roundtable titled ‘Fostering gender equality in politics’ jointly organised by Democracy International, UNDP and UN Women at Bay’s Galleria in the capital.
The nation expects a free and fair election with participation of all parties, she said, adding: “I think the scope for a dialogue still exists.”
Asked whether a level-playing field would be ensured if the election is held without dissolving the parliament, she avoided a direct answer and said every step should be taken in line with the constitution.
To achieve the goal of empowering women, political parties will have to create opportunity for women to participate in politics in larger scale she said adding the parties should give nomination to more women for increasing their representation in the parliament.
“I hope that political parities will go forward to ensure one-third representation of women in their organisational structure,” she said.
Addressing the function as special guest, Anneli Lindahl Kenny, Swedish ambassador in Bangladesh, said participation of women in politics will strengthen the country’s democracy in future.
UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Neal Walker and representatives of different organisations and media, among others, spoke at the function.
Source: The Daily Star
