Speaker calls for women to be elected by direct vote in 100 seats instead of reserved seats

National Parliament Speaker Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, has said women should be given the opportunity to be elected in 100 seats through direct voting instead of reserved women's seats.

He made the remarks on Friday (November 13) afternoon as chief guest at the centenary celebration of Barishal Government Girls' High School.

At the event, the Speaker said that to ensure women's real political empowerment, they must be given the opportunity to take part in direct elections. Noting that women are in no way behind, he called for arrangements for women to be elected by direct vote in 100 seats in the National Parliament.

Recalling former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia's important contribution to the advancement of girls' education, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said she had arranged free education for girls up to the SSC level.

He said he would also speak with current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman about taking an initiative to extend free education for girls up to the bachelor's (BA) degree level, in continuation of that policy.

Highlighting the historical importance of Barishal Government Girls' High School, the Speaker said the first secretariat of the great Liberation War was at this school, and the institution's important contribution to the history of Bangladesh's Liberation War will remain forever memorable.

Addressing the school's former and current students, he said the pull of one's roots is irresistible. Many accomplished students have come from this school, he said; the school has given them much, and now it is the alumni's turn to give something back.

He called on former students to stand beside students who cannot continue their studies because of financial hardship.

Recalling his own school days, the former student of Barishal Zilla School said no one can forget the memories of school life.