The Yunus interim government’s reform shine dims with revelations of its failure to protect women’s political engagement in Bangladesh. Thursday’s report from leading voices paints a picture of inaction, where promises evaporated against party resistance.
Decision-making tables remain male-dominated, with no expansions or protections enacted. Post-nomination stats are telling: just over 4% female candidates in general seats, bar two exceptions. All 30 parties shunned women prominently, signaling systemic rot.
Not a pipeline problem, but exclusionary design—women primed for service, starved of political agency. Prathom Alo data backs this, noting defiance of the 5% women quota push. BNP’s meager 3.5% and Jamaat’s zero exemplify resistance; small outfits backpedaled on initial nods.
Outrage from ex-reformers and campaigners targets parties’ empty vows, perpetuating underrepresentation despite past pacts. Bangladesh’s February 12 vote looms as a litmus test: without swift course-correction, Yunus risks overseeing a regression, where women’s voices fade further in the nation’s democratic chorus. Broader implications for stability and equity hang in balance.