The government of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has come under fire for undermining women’s political empowerment in Bangladesh. Samina Lutfa, Associate Professor of Sociology at Dhaka University, sharply criticised the male-dominated political decision-making process, likening it to “a fish market.”

Speaking at a roundtable on “Women’s seats in the National Parliament and women’s political empowerment,” organised by daily Prothom Alo, Lutfa said political negotiations over women’s participation, seat allocations, and roles are dominated entirely by men. “Men are sitting and deciding how women will enter politics. Nothing could be more ridiculous than this,” she said.

She condemned political parties for ignoring the Women’s Affairs Mission’s report during the second round of National Consensus Commission dialogue, calling it an “incredibly irresponsible” move. Lutfa accused the government of siding with forces opposing women’s progress, citing its silence during attacks on the Women’s Commission.

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin said the Election Commission faces “several challenges” in conducting the upcoming general election within a short timeframe, including restoring public trust. He confirmed the election date will be announced two months before the schedule.

Political divisions have intensified over Yunus’s announcement to hold polls before Ramadan. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) welcomed the move, while the National Citizen Party (NCP) expressed doubts about fair elections.

Bangladesh has been in political turmoil since violent protests toppled the Awami League government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year. The coalition that helped remove Hasina is now split over electoral reforms and poll timing.

Observers warn that the current political climate could further sideline women’s representation in parliament if the deadlock continues.