She Played Ball. Now It’s Time We Let Women Play Politics

My father had three sons. Between us, we had seven. And then I had a daughter.

In our not-so-liberal family, letting a girl chase something like basketball was almost scandalous. The idea of a young woman running around a court in full view of the world? Cue the raised eyebrows. But she played. She made the national team. Then she aced a master’s degree at Columbia University -- a perfect GPA, no shortcuts, no “girl advantage.” Just talent, grit, and the kind of focus that shatters ceilings.

Her journey is living proof of what happens when potential is allowed to breathe.

And that’s exactly why I believe women’s participation in politics isn’t optional -- it’s essential. As Bangladesh approaches another election, one party -- the National Citizens Party (NCP) -- has at least taken a clear stand on this front. Let me be clear: I am an apolitical observer. I don’t carry their flag. But when a platform gets something right, especially on women’s rights, I say so without hesitation.

The NCP is calling for serious and structural representation of women, not just through token seats or symbolic quotas. Crucially, they are demanding direct elections for reserved women’s seats, putting real political power into the hands of women themselves -- unlike proposals like the BNP’s, which suggest women be nominated through proportional representation by party lists. One model gives women an independent mandate from voters. The other risks keeping them dependent on party leadership for their place at the table.

The NCP’s approach also includes removing economic and security barriers, offering mentorship, and building real capacity so that female candidates aren’t just present -- they’re prepared, powerful, and heard.

And here’s the thing: this isn’t about being “woke” or looking good on a manifesto. It’s about effectiveness. It’s about designing a democracy that reflects the actual country -- not just its male half. Countries that have opened political space to women tend to make better decisions on healthcare, education, family policy -- the things that touch real lives. Representation works because perspective matters.

Conclusion: Our Daughters Deserve the Mic

My daughter didn’t succeed because the system made it easy. She succeeded in spite of it. Multiply her story by the millions of girls born into similar constraints, and you begin to see the real cost of exclusion -- the lost brilliance, the silenced leadership, the wasted future.

This election, forget party symbols for a moment. Ask a simpler question: who’s making space for women to lead -- and lead on their own terms? On that count, the NCP has thrown down a challenge. The rest of the political spectrum would do well to answer it -- not with slogans, but with contested seats.

Because a democracy that keeps women in the audience while the men run the show isn’t a democracy. It’s theatre.