Speaker of Parliament Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury on Saturday said there is still scope for dialogue between the two major political parties to resolve the political impasse over the poll-time government.“I hope that the two parties will soon reach an agreement on the issue and the next election will be held with participation of all political parties. The forthcoming election will also be held in a free and fair manner,” she said while talking to reporters after attending a roundtable at Gulshan in the city.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Women and Democracy International jointly organised the roundtable on Fostering Gender Equality in Politics at Radius Centre.
Asked whether a level playing field can be ensured keeping the Parliament functioning and whether the election will be credible one, the Speaker said the next election would be held in accordance with the constitution, the supreme law of the country.
Earlier, addressing the roundtable, the Speaker underlined the need to increase the representation of women from grassroots level to the Jatiya Sangsad.
“The womenfolk must be provided with opportunity to play their roles in developing the country instead of keeping them at the backyard,” she said.
The Speaker said the participation of women in the political parties has to be increased for ensuring the gender equality in politics.
She urged all to come forward to ensure gender equality and establish leadership in politics.
Rasheda Begum Heera, Swedish Ambassador to Dhaka Anneli Lindahl Kenny and journalist Shahnaj Munni, among others, also addressed the function. – Staff Reporter
