Jatiya Sangsad (Reserved Women's Seat) Election (Amendment) Bill 2023 was passed in Parliament doubling the security deposit required for candidates to run in elections to reserved women's seats.
Law Minister Anisul Huq moved the Bill and it was passed by voice vote.
According to the proposed Bill, candidates who want to contest the elections to reserved seats will be required to submit a security deposit of Tk20,000 instead of the previous amount of Tk10,000.
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The draft law also proposed to increase the number of reserved seats for women from 45 to 50.
The 15th amendment to the Constitution had already increased the number of reserved seats to 50. Now it has been included in law.
Besides, the amendments incorporate a provision stipulating that if a reserved seat in the Jatiya Sangsad becomes vacant for any reason, a by-election must be conducted within 90 days.
Currently, by-elections in reserved women's seats are held within 45 days of the seat becomes vacant.
During discussion on the Bill, Law Minister Anisul Haque alleged that some people who consider themselves civil society members think that they are the guardians of people. But there are doubts about how much involvement they have with people, he added.
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“They give various dictations. They do not look at the north, south, east or west of the country. They look to the far west only. They try to reveal here the words that come from there,” he said.
Earlier, Jatiya Party MP Rustam Ala Faraji harshly criticised the civil society for giving various opinions on the country's elections.
Law Minister Anisul Haque agreed with the statement of Rustam Ali Farazi and said that Bangladesh is independent and sovereign. “The people of this country will decide who will represent them in parliament through elections.”
The Law Minister said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has promised free, impartial and peaceful elections. Elections will be held as promised when the term of the current parliament expires.
The Law Minister said that the hearing on the review petition filed on the 16th Amendment of the Constitution was held last week.
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“The hearing will be held again after the vacation of the High Court. Now there is no provision for resignation of judges,” he said.
Jatiya Party's Rustam Ali Faraji said that the country needs free fair elections.
“That's why we have institutions. We hope to have a strong Election Commission like TN Session (former CEC of India).”
“The government performs routine responsibilities during elections. The intellectuals and civil society of our country repeatedly talk about the ineffectiveness of the parliament and non-functioning of the parliament.”
He said that if this is the case, there is no need for elections.
In this connection, he said no one ever raised questions about India's election. “So why the question about today's Bangladesh will come? The election in Bangladesh is going right way. It will be fine,” he said.
He said that people will go to the polling center and will get security.
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“The Prime Minister wants it. The people of the country want it. The world wants it too. There will be nothing beyond that. Everyone should accept it. If someone does not win the election, that person cannot be declared winner,” he added.
Mokabbir Khan of Ganoforum said that there is an ambiguity, fear and frustration among people regarding the electoral system of Bangladesh.
“Many are deeply concerned about the 12th national election. The government is not clarifying its position on when and how the elections will be held.”
“The opinion of the people was not accurately reflected in 2014 election. In 2018, voting took place in most of the places in the night before the election day. Public opinion was not reflected here either,” he said.
In the discussion of the bill, Jatiya Party MP Mujibul Haque Chunnu said that there is a psychological problem over the election in reserved seats.
“Do those who are elected have any constituencies? They do not understand this. They themselves feel embarrassed about it.”
He proposed giving more nominations to women in the elections.
Mujibul Haque said that three judges of the High Court have been prevented from performing their duties for many days due to allegations of corruption.
“But they are getting salary and allowances. This issue needs to be addressed.”
Jatiya Party MP Roshan Ara Mannan urged the Prime Minister to increase the seats for women.