By IANS,
Dhaka : The government is considering increasing the number of seats reserved for women in the Bangladesh parliament from the present 45 to a hundred.
The figure was 30 in the last parliament.
A report under consideration and to be placed before the country’s development partners at the Dhaka Development Forum Feb 15-16 says the government wants to promote gender equality, The Daily Star newspaper has said.
Many women in the present parliament were elected from general seats. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia are among the 64 women members of the present parliament, forming 19 percent of its total strength.
The government also said election to all local bodies will be completed by 2010 to strengthen the local government system.
Finance Minister A.M.A. Muhith said the government’s plan for future development will be presented before the development partners and their assistance would be sought.