At a time when Afghan women are forced out of jobs and schools, and Iranian women are having to shed blood to oppose imposition of hijab, Bengali women in Muslim-majority Bangladesh are enjoying an unusual spell of gender empowerment.

At a time when Afghan women are forced out of jobs and schools, and Iranian women are having to shed blood to oppose imposition of hijab, Bengali women in Muslim-majority Bangladesh are enjoying an unusual spell of gender empowerment.

Sources in the ruling Awami League say Parliament Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury is likely to be the next President of Bangladesh as the party is likely to nominate her just before Mohammad Abdul Hamid steps down. In her mid-fifties, Shirin has a clean image and a brilliant track record as Speaker.

With Sheikh Hasina getting ready to lead her party to power for a record fourth time after having emerged as the country’s longest-serving Prime Minister, Bangladesh will perhaps have the unique distinction of having a woman President and PM once Shirin gets elected.

Source: https://thefederal.com/opinion/bangladesh-women-empowerment-is-unique-in-the-muslim-world/