Criticising the outlook of major political parties towards the proposal, they urged them to create supportive atmosphere for women to apply their skill and merit at policy making level.

The discussion titled 'The proposal for participation of women by 33 percent at policy making level in political parties: Recent thoughts and our demands' was held at the National Press Club in the city.

It was organised by Samajik Protirodh Committee, an alliance of 41 social, cultural and women's rights organisation.

Referring to EC proposal, Shahnaz Shumi, programme manager of Nari Pragati Sangha, said the initiative will pave the way for political empowerment of women.

Presenting a keynote paper at the discussion, she said even five percent representation of women is not there in any major political parties at present.

There are only eight women members in 88-member central committee of Awami League representing only 11 percent participation of women, while 10 women members are there in 182-member central committee of Bangladesh Nationalist Party representing less than six percent participation, she added.

Shahnaz also pointed out that women are given nominations where the possibility of their winning in the election is very slim and they are also deprived of having the responsibility of significant ministries in the government giving a lame excuse of eligibility.

The New Age Editor Nurul Kabir said the eligibility of women cannot be judged until they are given chance.

He urged all including civil society and rights organisations to press the authorities concerned to implement the proposal soon.

Hailing the reform proposal, Ayesha Khanom, general secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, said the overall democratic reforms in the government require equal participation of women and establishment of their rights.

Khairunnahar of Action Aid Bangladesh suggested the women to be sensitised to press the political parties to nominate more women and include them in different committees including the central one.

Representatives of different organisations of the alliance including Ain O Shalish Kendra, Bangladesh Mahila Samity, Awaj Foundation, Brac, The Hunger Project, Samata, Steps Towards Development, and Bangladesh Nari Sangbadik Kendra took part in the discussion chaired by Prof Mahmuda Islam, president of Women for Women.

Prof Mahmuda laid emphasis on the role of mass media to create pressure on political parties and government to implement the reform proposal.