At a seminar organized by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad at CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka on September 3, marking International CEDAW Day, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said that despite the uprising and subsequent political changes, women's representation in parliament has not increased. She also noted that new women leaders have not been as vocal as expected about their rights. While acknowledging women's immense contribution throughout Bangladesh's history and state formation, she said women's status in society has yet to reach the desired level of dignity. She highlighted the government's Family Card programme as playing an effective role in women's economic empowerment and said the government remains committed to ensuring equal rights, empowerment and dignity for women.

The seminar was chaired by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad President Dr. Fauzia Moslem. Luna Nur, a member of the organisation's international sub-council, presented the keynote paper, which demanded equal rights for men and women in inheritance and property ownership, arguing that property ownership is a foundation of women's economic independence, social dignity and decision-making power. In the open discussion, speakers urged political parties to be more sincere in increasing women's representation in parliament and stressed that women's equal rights should be viewed as a fundamental right rather than a favour or grant.