Ensure one-third seats for women in parliament

Members of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP), a women's rights organisation, yesterday demanded that the government ensure one-third of the parliamentary seats for women through direct elections.
They also demanded for the reallocation of electoral constituencies, wherein women can be elected member of the parliament from the constituency they belong.
The BMP members made the demands at a gathering on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital.
BMP General Secretary Maleka Banu said, "If more women members of the parliament are elected through direct elections, it can be ensured that their voices will be heard in the parliament and they will be able to formulate and pass laws for the welfare of women."
BMP President Ayesha Khanam said, "We cannot expect positive change in women rights movement if a female MP of one constituency is allocated to a completely different constituency of which she has no knowledge."