Many women leaders remain politically visible but institutionally constrained, with limited authority over development planning, budgeting and decision-making. Expansion of representationWomen’s participation in local government expanded significantly after reforms introduced reserved seats in Union Parishads in 1997. Similar arrangements exist in urban local bodies, while Upazila Parishads reserve the vice-chairman position for women. The Local Government Reform Commission Bangladesh previously described the system as one of the most extensive frameworks for women’s local political representation in South Asia. “The challenge is expanding those spaces.”Moving from access to authorityExperts say strengthening women’s political participation requires institutional reforms beyond quotas.

Source: Dhaka Tribune March 07, 2026 18:26 UTC